|
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan
(sometimes called "DXM" or "robo") is a cough-suppressing ingredient in
a variety of over-the-counter cold and cough medications. Like PCP and
ketamine, dextromethorphan acts as an NMDA Receptor antagonist. The
most common source of abused dextromethorphan is "extra-strength" cough
syrup, which typically contains 3 milligrams of the Drug per milliliter
of syrup. At the doses recommended for treating coughs (1/6 to 1/3
ounce of Medication, containing 15 mg to 30 mg dextromethorphan), the
drug is safe and effective. At much higher doses (4 or more ounces),
dextromethorphan produces dissociative effects similar to those of PCP
and ketamine.
The effects vary with dose, and
dextromethorphan users describe a set of distinct dose-dependent
"plateaus" ranging from a mild Stimulant effect with distorted visual
perceptions at low (approximately 2-ounce) doses to a sense of complete
dissociation from one's body at doses of 10 ounces or more. The effects
typically last for 6 hours. Over-the-counter medications that contain
dextromethorphan often contain antihistamine and decongestant
ingredients as well, and high doses of these mixtures can seriously
increase risks of dextromethorphan abuse.
| Definitions of Terms Used |
| Drug | Any substance, other than food, that changes the function or structure of the body or mind when ingested. Drugs essentially are poisons. The degree they are taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant. A greater amount acts as a sedative. A larger amount acts as a poison and can kill one dead. This is true of any drug. Each has a different amount at which it gives those results.
| | Drug abuse | The use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs. The repeated use of drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality - or all three.
| | Medication | A drug that is used to treat an illness or disease according to established medical guidelines.
| | PCP | Phencyclidine (PCP): Originally developed as an anesthetic, PCP may act as an hallucinogen, stimulant, or sedative.
| | Receptor | A large molecule that recognizes specific chemicals (normally neurotransmitters, hormones, and similar endogenous substances) and transmits the message carried by the chemical into the cell on which the receptor resides.
| | Stimulant | A class of drugs that elevates mood, increases feelings of well-being, and increases energy and alertness. These drugs produce euphoria and are powerfully rewarding. Stimulants include cocaine,
Methamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
|
| | ©2005 remository.com |
Source: The National Institute on Drug abuse (NIDA)
Toll Free: 888-9NO-DRUGS or 888-966-3784
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking website:
|
Drug Info 
