OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS

Cough syrup (DXM)

​

Slang terms: dex, robo, skittles, triple C, tussin.

​

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications in liquid, tablet and lozenge forms. (It also can be purchased on the Internet in powder form.) It is a dissociative anesthetic, similar to PCP and ketamine, causing hallucinations in larger doses.

Common side effects include confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, slurred speech, impaired physical coordination, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart beat, drowsiness, numbness of fingers and toes, and disorientation. It also can cause hallucinations and loss of motor control. Long-term abuse can damage the body, since DXM is often mixed with other ingredients, such as acetaminophen, which harm the liver in large quantities. The dangerous effects of DXM also can increase when taken with alcohol or other drugs.

​

Information on DXM from Partnership to End Addiction - Search

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

​

Pseudoephedrine is a common decongestant, found in such products as Sudafed. It is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, but can be abused or taken improperly on its own as well.

​

Common adverse reactions are nervous system stimulation, sleeplessness, nervousness, excitability, dizziness and anxiety. It can sometimes cause heart palpitations. Rarely, pseudoephedrine may cause hallucinations, arrhythmia, hypertension or seizures. In high doses, it may cause paranoid psychosis.

Improper use of pseudoephedrine offen occurs for its stimulant properties, such as increasing alertness and awareness.

​

Because of its use for creating methamphetamine, the U.S. government requires information to be gathered from anyone purchasing products containing pseudoephedrine. And many states, including Washington, have further restrictions on the purchase of pseudoephedrine products, such as making it available only from pharmacies.