Transcript Slide 1

An Educational Perspective
Based on Information Contained In
The Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Factline on DXM
By the end of this presentation:
you will have…
(1) Been exposed to general information about
DXM .
(2) Learned some basic facts about DXM
users in Indiana.
(3) Viewed the potential consequences of DXM
use, both short-term and long-term.
(4) Learned about prevention efforts in Indiana.
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Dextromethorphan, DXM, is a cough suppressant
found in many over the counter cold medications.
Its use is approved by the food and drug
administration, and it is considered generally safe
when taken in the recommended dosages.
When consumed in large volumes DXM can
have dangerous side effects.
•Over 140 OTC cough and cold
remedies contain DXM
•It is available in capsule, liquid,
liquid gelatin capsule, and lozenge
and tablet form.
•Additionally, the drug is available in
powdered form on the internet.
- DXM abusers typically ingest the drug orally,
however some abusers snort the pure
powdered form.
- The volume of the drug ingested depends on
the effect and body weight of the abuser.
According to the National Drug Intelligence
Center, 250 to 1,500 mg of the drug can be
ingested in a single dosage, far above the
recommended dose of 10 to 20 mg.
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Calls Involving Abuse or Misuse of
DXM to Poison Control Centers
Levels of DXM abuse are
Difficult to determine because
National surveys do not
include questions regarding
DXM abuse.
Year
Teenagers
All Other
Age Groups
2000
1,623
900
2001
2,276
1,107
2002
2,881
1,139
2003
3,271
1,111
Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
However, some information
may be gleaned from
emergency department
admissions and poison control
center data. These data
anecdotally suggest that the
incidence of DXM abuse is
highest among individuals
aged 12-20, and abuse is
becoming more common.
Calls Involving Abuse or Misuse of
DXM to Poison Control Centers
Year
Teenagers
All Other
Age Groups
2000
1,623
900
2001
2,276
1,107
2002
2,881
1,139
2003
3,271
1,111
Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
ED visits involving DXM, by age and reason for visit
Age Category Estimated
ED visits
% of visitsa
ED visits
per 100,000
population
0-11
12-20
12-17
260
2,684
1,791
5%
48%
32%
0.5
7.1
7.1
18-20
21-34
35+
892
1,473
1,164
16%
26%
21%
7.2
2.6
0.8
Source: DAWN Issue 32, 2006 – Emergency Department Visits Involving Dextromethorphan
Dex
DM
Robo
Rojo
Skittles
Velvet
Triple C
Red Devils
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
•The effects of DXM abuse vary with the amount taken,
but common effects can include:
•Confusion
•Dizziness
•Double or Blurred Vision
•Slurred Speech
•Abdominal Pain
•Impaired Physical Coordination
•Mind and body dissociation
•Hallucinations
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Rapid Heart Beat
•Drowsiness
•Disorientation
•Body Itching
•Rash
•Diarrhea
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Other active ingredients in DXM over-the-counter
products can be harmful when ingested in
quantities above the recommended dosage.
Acetaminophen: Liver damage
Chlorpheniramine: Increased heart rate, lack of
coordination, seizures
Guaifenesin: Vomiting
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Consult DXM dir: to do
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Contact us
Indiana Prevention Resource Center
2735 East 10th Street, CA110
Bloomington, IN 47408-2602
Phone: 1-800-346-3077 or 812-855-1237
Fax: 812-855-4940
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.drugs.indiana.edu
Content in this presentation based, in part, on a Factline produced by Bilesha Perera, Ph.D, MS in 2005 and © The Indiana
Prevention Resource Center.
The Indiana Prevention Resource Center is funded, in part, by a contract with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration,
Division of Mental Health and Addiction, financially supported through HHS/Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration,
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. The IPRC is operated by the Indiana
University Department of Applied Health Science and School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. It is affiliated with the
Department's Institute of Drug Abuse Prevention. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the
Trustees of Indiana University or the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Indiana University accepts full responsibility for
the content of this publication. © Copyright, 2005 by the Trustees of Indiana University.
Indiana Prevention Resource Center