Dextromethorphan Addiction and Dependency

What Is Dextromethorphan?

You wouldn't have thought that taking medicine for a simple cold or cough could be the start of a drug addiction, would you? However, many of the medicines and treatments that you can buy over the counter at your local pharmacist or drug store to combat the effects of a cold contain the drug Dextromethorphan, and as strange as it may seem, this can be a very addictive drug.

Although its use in cough mixtures and cold remedies is via small amounts, Dextromethorphan is a far more advanced drug than this kind of use would have you think. Sufferers from such painful diseases as multiple sclerosis, as well as rheumatoid organ fatigue use it, therefore it is an extremely powerful drug when the correct doses are not adhered to. What may have started out as relief from a sore throat can quickly turn into something far more serious in the long term.

As well as the very real danger of falling to Dextromethorphan addiction, leading to dependency, there are also some extremely unpleasant side effects. Users have reported feelings such as nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties and failure to pass urine properly. However, the most serious issue is when users move from simple cough relief to more advanced use of the drug.

The Effects Of Dextromethorphan

Since Dextromethorphan can induce feelings of drowsiness and relaxation, it is very similar to the effect marijuana has. The body slows and feels more at ease, and the brain acts at a reduced capacity. However, far from the euphoric feeling it engenders, the danger is in the continued use once this "buzz" takes hold of you. Once you go over the prescribed amount and start taking the drug more often, it's the equivalent of a hallucinogenic drug such as LSD, and it can also have the same debilitating results as that of ketamine, which is so powerful that it is used as a horse tranquilizer. The problem is so serious that even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become involved in trying to regulate its use in over the counter products.

Dextromethorphan Addiction and Dependency

If someone does fall to Dextromethorphan addiction, the first step in recovery is a detox program, just as it would be for any other dependency-led drug. However, this will not be an overnight process – as the body builds up more tolerance for the drug, so it is harder to suppress the need. Seeking the professional help of an anti-drug counselor or rehab center is the first step that should be taken.

By combining reduced amounts of the drug under a controlled environment, users will gradually be weaned off their cravings. The next step is rehabilitation, and this is one of the most difficult areas. If getting off the dependency on Dextromephorphan is hard, staying off it is even more so, and will need the help and support of friends and loved ones.

Although difficult, it can be done, yet can involve a lengthy and harsh recovery period. However, while the drug is still under discussion within the FDA and pharmaceutical companies, you may wish to check the label on your next prescribed cough medicine and help avoid any potential problems yourself.