DXM / Coricidin HBP

Dextromethorphan is a legal, over-the-counter, semisynthetic narcotic available in many cough suppressants in the United States and most countries. Any drug name with DM or Tuss in it contains the drug. Coricidin HBP contains 30 mg of DXM, the highest amount of DXM per dosage of any over-the-counter cold and cough remedy on the market.

Street names/slang terms:
Dex, DXM, Robo, Tussin, C-C-C, Triple C, Red Devils, Skittles, cory's

What does it look like?
DXM comes in many different forms. The most common are various over-the-counter cough suppressants (including Robitussin, Delsym, Pertussin, Drixoral, Vicks formula 44, and several generic brands). Each brand contains different quantities of dextromethorphan, generally in the 20-30 mg per capsule range. Coricidin HBP comes in red gel-coated tablets and red gel caps.

How is it used?
Swallowed.

Why is it abused?

DXM's effects are similar to that of LSD which range from euphoria, feelings of enhanced awareness to distortions of color and sound to visual hallucinations to "out-of-body" sensations, when users lose contact with their senses. Abusers admit to vomiting before DXM's effects are felt.

Short-term Effects:
• flushing, sweating
• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea, abdominal pain
• seizures
• confusion, hallucinations
• high blood pressure (headache, redness of face, blurred vision)
• irregular heartbeat
• numbness of fingers or toes
• hyperactivity
• brain damage, death (in large doses of DXM and chlorpheniramine maleate, as in Coricidin HBP)

• rapid heart rate

• some users may become violent

• side effects may be worse when DXM is used with other medications or with alcohol or illegal drugs.

Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free America, NIDA, NIAAA