Myth: Abusing Over-The-Counter Drugs Are Safe Vancouver Island Information Teens may mistakenly believe that cough Youth & Family medicines sold in stores are less dangerous than about Cough street drugs. Even parents may underestimate Addiction Services the seriousness of DXM abuse and feel relief Medicine (DXM) that their children are "only abusing cough syrup, not illegal drugs." Although cough What is Dextromethorphan (DXM)? medicine is sold in stores and is a regulated product, the reality is that taking large quantities of DXM has the potential to be extremely Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough dangerous and even fatal. When taken in suppressant ingredient contained in over-the-counter medicines. combination with other medicines or illicit drugs DXM is found the risk increases significantly. in more than 100 over-the-counter If A Teen Is Using cough and cold medications in syrup, tablet, lozenge Sit down with the youth and openly voice your and capsule form. Taken in suspicions but avoid direct accusations. Do not suggested doses, DXM is have this conversation when the youth is under generally a safe and the influence of a substance. Stay calm and effective rational. cough medication. Seek medical attention immediately if the youth is unresponsive to your voice, vomiting, very Dextromethorphan is found in over-the-counter pale or has a bluish tinge to the skin. cough medicines, including Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough, Dimetapp DM, For More Information Sudafed cough medicine, Robitussin, Tylenol Cough and Cold medicine, Vicks 44 Cough To find out about services in your community, Relief medicine and many more. contact: For More Information, please contact: These products are easily Discovery Youth & Family Addiction Services available in home medicine cabinets, pharmacies Discovery Youth & Family Addiction Services Victoria 250 721-2669 / drug stores and grocery stores Victoria 250-721-2669 Nanaimo 250 739-5790 Nanaimo 250-739-5790 What Is DXM Abuse? Health Link BC: Call 811

Teens are able to get high by taking large doses Know the Facts of any over-the-counter cough medicine that contains DXM. It is cheap, easy to find and legal. The best prevention is accurate information. However when DXM is misused and taken in high Research your information before sharing. dosages, it can be extremely dangerous. What Are The Effects Of DXM Abuse? What Can You Do? Tips for Parents & Caregivers

Some teens use DXM for its euphoric, Talk With Teens  Keep channels of communication open hallucinogenic or dissociative effects when taken in larger than recommended doses. In large  Know the facts about DXM and other Talk to teens in a way that will encourage quantities or when combined with other over-the-counter drugs conversation. Ask them what they know about medicines, DXM can cause: DXM and what they think about other teens  Help youth to understand the dangers of Impaired vision, slurred speech and using it. Ask them if they know the risks. abusing DXM nausea Youth are still looking to adults for guidance and  Watch for significant changes in Impaired judgment and mental function your input is important. Let them know your behaviours Potential serious damage to brain, physical thoughts and concerns. Teens can tell when  Monitor medication stocks in the home & impairment and organ damage (e.g. liver) they are being lied to and your credibility is avoid overstocking medications Coma and death important so know the facts about DXM when  Model responsible use of medications Prolonged use can cause memory problems, you talk with teens. speech problems, high blood pressure and other  Know the slang terms for DXM and its use Parents, caregivers and others working with issues related to the ability to think clearly. and be alert to them youth need to talk with - not at - teens about the dangers of using over-the-counter and other  Be aware of the internet websites that drugs. teens in your care are frequenting Possible Early Indications of DXM Abuse Know Where Teens Are Spending Time & Tips for Schools & Those Who Work Youth taking cough medications when it What They Are Doing With Youth does not appear they are ill

Mood swings, changes in normal habits, It is important to know where teens are  Know the facts about DXM and other eating or sleeping patterns spending time and what they are doing. over-the-counter drugs and medicines Diminished interest in usual activities Research has shown that youth that are well  Include this information in substance connected with a significant adult are at less risk abuse prevention sessions, stressing the Unexplained disappearances of money of truancy from school, stress, risk-taking risks and harms associated with these Medications disappearing from medicine behaviour and substance abuse. drugs cabinet The internet is a wonderful source of  Keep channels of communication open information and social interaction for youth. It is Slang Words for Dextromethorphan  Know the slang terms for DXM and its use also an avenue where youth are sharing and be alert to them Dex, DXM, Robo, Skittles, Syrup, Triple-C, Vitamin information about DXM and how to use it to D, Tussin. Terms for using dextromethorphan become intoxicated. Stay connected with teens  Be aware of the internet websites that include Robo-ing, Robo-tripping and Skittling. about what kind of sites they are visiting and teens are frequenting in class Youth using DXM are sometimes called syrup participating in.  Watch for significant changes in heads or robotards behaviours and ability to concentrate