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Dextromethorphan is a chemical compound used in medicine as an antitussive drug. It is found in drugs such as Gripex, Dexapini and Acodin. In small doses, it helps fight cough, but when used in excess, it is addictive and can even lead to death. Why is dextromethorphan addictive and how to recognize symptoms of drug addiction?
What is Dextromethorphan?
Dextromethorphan is an organic chemical compound that, in the form of hydrobromide, is used in medicine as an antitussive drug. The antitussive activity of dextromethorphan was confirmed in 1959 by the Food and Drug Administration. Initially, dextromethorphan was to be used as a substitute for the addictive codeine. In the 70s, however, it was withdrawn because, like codeine, it began to be taken not for medical purposes, but for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, a few years later it was brought back on sale due to the lack of any other compound that could replace this preparation.
How does dextromethorphan work?
The main action of dextromethorphan is to suppress cough of various origins. Dextromethorphan increases the sensitivity threshold of the respiratory center in the medulla. This compound has no analgesic properties. The indications for the use of dextromethorphan are dry cough, pharyngitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, as well as pleural cough or cough caused by inhalation of irritants. The property of dextromethorphan is that it is very quickly absorbed from the digestive system and its effects can be seen as early as 10-30 minutes after the first dose. This medicine works for 5-6 hours in adults and 6-9 hours in children. Dextromethorphan is metabolized in the liver.
Why is dextromethorphan addictive?
Dextromethorphan is addictive because it contains substances that act like opium. These substances exert a very strong influence on the central nervous system. Of course, the use of dextromethorphan as recommended in the leaflet is not addictive. Only taking extra doses causes side effects and leads to addiction. Dextromethorphan overdose results in a state of intoxication, physical and psychological dependence.
- See also: Drugs that act on the central nervous system
Symptoms of dextromethorphan overdose
The maximum dose of dextromethorphan that can be taken in a day is 300 mg of the preparation. If you take a higher dose, you will get the following symptoms:
- motor agitation,
- feeling drunk
- agitation combined with talkativeness,
- hallucinations appearing with closed eyes,
- feeling completely detached from the body,
- loss of own identity,
- movement disorders,
- pupil dilation,
- acceleration of the pulse,
- impairment of the senses of touch, taste and sometimes also hearing,
- with overdose, respiratory depression and death.
Availability of dextromethorphan
Drugs with dextromethorphan can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription. However, due to the increasing number of young people who have become addicted to this relationship, some restrictions have been introduced. Only one package of the drug can be purchased at a time, and the pharmacist can only sell this preparation to adults. If there is any doubt as to the age of the patient, the pharmacist has the right to require proof of age.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.