What is DXM? doses—usually at least half an 8-ounce ketamine. While under the influence of bottle—by drinking the liquid very the drug, which can last for as long as DXM (dextromethorphan) is a quickly. (Consumption of large quanti- 6 hours, DXM abusers risk injuring cough suppressant available in a ties of cough syrup induces vomiting. themselves and others because of the variety of over-the-counter cough and Thus, to achieve the desired effects, drug’s effects on visual perception and cold medications. DXM is abused abusers must drink the product quickly cognitive processes. because, when taken in doses that enough to allow the body to absorb the In addition, individuals who ingest dramatically exceed those recom- DXM before vomiting occurs.) mended by physicians and pharma- high doses of DXM risk hyperthermia cists, it produces hallucinations and The availability of powdered extrac- (exceptionally high fever), particularly if a sense of dissociation. tions of DXM has resulted in abusers they use the drug in a hot environment either inhaling the powder (snorting) or or while physically exerting themselves— What does DXM look like? repackaging it in capsules, which are such as at a rave or dance club. Other then swallowed. risks associated with DXM abuse As an over-the-counter medication, include nausea, abdominal pain, vomit- DXM is available in various forms Who abuses DXM? ing, irregular heartbeat, high blood including liquids, lozenges, tablets, pressure, headache, numbness of capsules, and gel caps. In addition, DXM It is difficult to gauge the extent of fingers and toes, loss of consciousness, powder—prepared by extracting the drug DXM abuse in the United States seizures, brain damage, and death. from cough syrup—increasingly is being because most data sources that provide Over-the-counter medications containing sold via the Internet. estimates of drug abuse do not report DXM frequently contain other ingredi- data regarding DXM. Law enforcement ents that can cause additional health sources indicate that teenagers and problems. young adults are the principal abusers artment of DXM. Sold over the counter on open shelves, medications containing DXM are readily available and even suscepti- Street Terms for DXM an Police Dep ble to shoplifting. Their accessibility and relatively low price make them Dex particularly attractive to young people, DM especially compared to illicit drugs. Drex What are the risks? Robo Las Vegas Metropolit Rojo Tablets containing MDMA and DXM. DXM is generally safe when users Skittles adhere to recommended doses (15 to 30 Triple C Howis DXM abused? milligrams). However, individuals who Velvet abuse DXM consume much higher In the past, cough syrup was the doses (typically more than 360 milli- most commonly abused form of the grams), which produce hallucinations drug. Abusers consumed large and dissociative effects similar to those experienced with PCP (phencyclidine) or Other products of interest: , Huffing—The Abuse of Inhalants , Is DXMillegal? Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth , Drugs,Youth, and the Internet No, DXM is not illegal. The drug is available without a prescription DXMDXM because, when used properly, it has proven to be a safe and effective means Fast Facts of cough suppression. Reports of DXM abuse, however, have resulted in monitoring by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and DXM could be added to the Controlled Substances Act if warranted. For more information on illicit drugs check out our web site at: Check outFast Factson: www.usdoj.gov/ndic + Crack cocaine , Methadone , Crystal , Methamphetamine National Drug Intelligence Center , 319 Washington Street, 5th Floor , methamphetamine , OxyContin Johnstown, PA 15901-1622 Drug paraphernalia , PCP Telephone: 814-532-4601 , Foxy Powdered cocaine FAX: 814-532-4690 , Fry , Prescription drugs NDIC Washington Liaison Office , GHB and analogs , Psilocybin 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001 , Heroin , Ritalin McLean, VA 22102-3840 , , Telephone: 703-556-8970 Inhalants Rohypnol FAX: 703-556-7807 , Jimsonweed , Salvia divinorum , , NDIC publications are available on the following web sites: Ketamine , Steroids , Khat Teens and drugs ADNET http://ndicosa QuestionsQuestions , , LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic , LSD , Triple C Marijuana Yaba RISS ndic.riss.net andand , MDMA INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic Call814-532-4541 AnswersAnswers to request NDIC products National Drug Intelligence Center a component of the NDIC Product No. 2003-L0559-022 U.S. Department of Justice Cover photo © Porrata Consulting 082203.