Dextromethorphan is an antitussive drug found in many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. It can relieve coughing by increasing the body’s threshold for coughing, but excessive amounts can cause side effects such as disorientation and hallucinations. It should not be given to children, pregnant women, or people with certain allergies or taking certain medications. Abuse of the drug can lead to emotional dependence and serious side effects.
Also known as DXM or DM, dextromethorphan is a drug with antitussive properties. The drug is used in a number of over-the-counter products, especially cough medicines and various cold remedies. Considered safe when used in small doses, the drug in excessive amounts can cause side effects, such as disorientation and hallucinations.
When used in therapeutic doses, this medication has the ability to relieve pain often associated with coughing due to colds and general congestion. The drug works differently than other cough medicines in that it primarily affects brain function, effectively increasing the body’s threshold for coughing without directly affecting the respiratory tract. The duration of effectiveness varies depending on the exact nature of the preparation. When using dextromethorphan hydrobromide, the effects can last for three to eight hours. With dextromethorphan polistirex, the duration is usually between ten and twelve hours.
There are a number of dextromethorphan effects reported which indicate that some individuals should not use the drug. In some cases, reducing the dosage will help moderate side effects. Nausea and fever may develop, although people who have a cold may already have these side effects and notice little or no increase while taking the medication.
Other side effects include blurred vision, sweating, nervousness and developing diarrhea. Although dextromethorphan does not normally cause drowsiness, some people have reported becoming very sleepy while taking any over-the-counter product containing this compound. There is also some chance of dizziness and vomiting.
In general, any product containing dextromethorphan should not be given to children due to the histaminic effect of the drug. Doctors also tend to discourage taking any medicines containing the compound during pregnancy. People with certain allergies should also refrain from using any products that use this type of medication unless specifically recommended by a doctor. Anyone taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) should also refrain from using this drug in any form.
For the most part, the benefits of dextromethorphan when taken in the recommended doses will outweigh any side effects. The feeling of congestion and the severity of the cough usually subside within forty-five minutes of taking the medicine. Continuing to take your cough or cold product according to the package directions will often allow you to get over your cold until your immune system can tame the symptoms and healing takes place.
However, abuse of dextromethorphan has been reported time and time again since the creation of this compound in 1958. Much of the abuse has to do with hallucinogenic properties which can be activated if the drug is consumed in excessive amounts. Because it is possible to become emotionally dependent on the drug after repeated abuse as well as exacerbate serious side effects, the drug should be taken only as recommended.
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