Over-the-counter drugs: The misuse of dextromethorphan (DXM)

Summary

The script discusses the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications, particularly those containing dextromethorphan (DXM), a common cough suppressant. It highlights the widespread abuse of OTC drugs among young people, with DXM being a significant substance of abuse. High doses can lead to serious side effects, including hallucinations and seizures. The script emphasizes the importance of responsible use, awareness of drug potency, and consideration of natural alternatives like honey and ginger to alleviate cough symptoms without the risks associated with DXM misuse.

Takeaways

• 💊 An estimated 3.1 million people aged 12 to 25 misused over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications in 2006.
• 🛑 Over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) can be purchased without a prescription, but misuse, including using them to get high, is a significant problem.
• 📉 Prescription drug abuse extends beyond street drugs, with OTC medications among the most commonly abused legal drugs in the US, alongside marijuana.
• 💉 Dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressant in many OTC cold medicines, is widely abused, especially among young people.
• ⚠️ DXM was reintroduced to the market after being removed due to abuse, but changes to its taste have not prevented misuse.
• 🧠 DXM affects NMDA receptors in the brain, reducing cough by suppressing brain activity related to coughing, but high doses can impair learning and memory.
• 🚨 High doses of DXM (around 400 mg per 70 kg person) can lead to severe side effects, including hallucinations, mania, dizziness, and seizures.
• 👩‍⚕️ Following recommended dosages and understanding the effects of OTC drugs with DXM is crucial to prevent misuse.
• 🌿 Natural alternatives like honey and ginger have shown to alleviate coughs effectively, with fewer side effects than DXM.
• 🥄 A dose of 2.5 milliliters of honey before bed can help relieve cough symptoms as effectively as DXM, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Q & A

What are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines that can be sold directly to consumers without a prescription.

What is the estimated number of people aged 12 to 25 years who misused OTC cough and cold medications in 2006?

An estimated 3.1 million people between the ages of 12 to 25 years misused OTC cough and cold medications in 2006.

What is dextromethorphan (DXM) and why is it significant?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant found in many OTC cold medications. It is significant because it has become a substance of abuse due to its psychoactive effects when taken in high doses.

How does DXM work in the brain to suppress a cough?

DXM attaches to NMDA receptors in the brain, reducing activity in the area responsible for eliciting a cough, thereby suppressing it.

What are some common adverse effects of DXM abuse?

Common adverse effects of DXM abuse include panic, mania, hallucinations, labored breathing, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, and seizures.

What changes did manufacturers make to DXM to reduce its abuse, and what was the outcome?

Manufacturers reintroduced DXM with an unpleasant taste to reduce its abuse, but sales dropped. They later enhanced the taste, which led to its widespread abuse again, especially among younger people.

What is a high dose of DXM, and what effects can it have?

A high dose of DXM is approximately 400 milligrams per 70-kilogram person. It can lead to impaired learning and memory, hallucinations, and severe health issues such as seizures.

What are some natural alternatives to DXM for managing cough symptoms?

Natural alternatives to DXM for managing cough symptoms include honey and ginger. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can suppress respiratory sensitivities.

What dose of honey has been shown to alleviate cough symptoms?

A dose of 2.5 milliliters of honey before bed has been shown to alleviate cough symptoms as efficiently as DXM.

What is important to remember when taking medications with DXM?

It is important to follow the dosage recommendations provided on the OTC drug packaging and be aware of the drug’s potency and effects to avoid misuse.