PRESCRIPTION DRUGS- DXM Abuse

The Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force has warned that Snohomish County schools are seeing an increase in Dextromethorphan (DXM) abuse. DXM is found in over the counter cough and cold medicines. In prescribed doses DXM is safe. However, in higher doses, DXM can produce euphoria and dissociative effects (you feel like you are detached from your body). Abuse can cause numbness, loss of coordination, and increased blood pressure.

Teens can turn to cough syrups for a high since they are readily available in home medicine chests and can be purchased over the counter without needing a prescription. This easy access contributes to law enforcement and health officials concern about prescription and non-prescription drugs in the home.

If you are a parent of a teen, review the information about cough and cold medicine abuse at:

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/cough-and-cold-medicine-dxm-and-codeine-syrup

For more information about the Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, go to:

http://www.srdtf.org/

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