Cough Syrup Abuse

DXM, Dextromethorphan Cough Syrup, Robo Tripping

Dextromethorphan or DXM is the active ingredient in non-narcotic, over the counter cough syrup. In small doses DXM acts as an antitussive to relieve symptoms of cold and cough. In higher doses the drug can have a variety of effects users seek to achieve when using the drug recreationally.

  • Euphoria
  • Visual Disturbances
  • Stimulation
  • Inebriation/ Inhibition
  • Sedation
  • Vivid Hallucinations
  • Audio Distortions/ Hearing Voices, etc.
  • Numbing to Full Body Disassociation
  • Out of Body Experience
  • Time Disturbances
  • Body Distortions

Other than DXM most cough medicines contain analgesics, nasal decongestants, expectorants and loads of sugar (glucose). Users will normally consume entire bottles or several packets of pills to get high. This can pose a risk due to extreme amounts of glucose hitting the pancreas at once.

Once they are high, users will be extremely out of it and have trouble sensing the environment around them. They can go long periods of time without eating or drinking and can become agitated easily. When the trip wears off it is followed by a strong urge to use again. With an addicted user you may find many empty cough syrup bottles hidden or in the trash.