How Is DXM Abuse Harming Teens?
• Overdoses. There have been several fatal overdoses associated with pure DXM powder, which is sometimes sold on the Internet. High amounts can shut down the central nervous system. There’s another sort of overdose risk, too. Combination cold and flu drugs often contain a number of other active ingredients – other cough suppressants, decongestants, antihistamines, and painkillers. When taken at high doses, these other drugs – like the pain killer acetaminophen – can be quite toxic. They can cause liver damage, heart attack, stroke, and death. • Impairment. One serious risk of DXM abuse is that people will injure themselves while high, says Levine. The altered consciousness, impaired vision, and hallucinations can lead to irrational and dangerous behavior. For example, in 2003, a 14-year-old Colorado boy who was high on DXM was killed while trying to cross a highway. • Combined effects with other substances. According to studies, abusing OTC medicines is associated with a higher risk of
