What Is DXM? A Brief Overview
Dextromethorphan – more commonly called DXM – is an FDA approved substance that is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter cough medicines. When taken according to the instructions on the label, it is considered safe and effective for suppressing coughs and allowing those suffering from congestion to get some rest and relief. Some users take DXM in excess, though, and this can be highly dangerous.
Drug Details – What Is DXM?
DXM is the main ingredient to suppress coughing in most over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Like ketamine and PCP, it falls in the category of dissociative anesthetics. This makes it highly effective in small doses, giving an anesthetic effect to calm a persistent cough and relaxing the user so that they can rest and recover.
Unlike other drugs, DXM has only one known delivery system – swallowing. Those looking to abuse the drug may buy it as cough medicine and ignore the recommended dosage. It is also available in pure powder form, which is most often found on the Internet or on the street.
Another thing that sets DXM apart from other illicit drugs is that the DEA does not schedule it. However, some cough medicines (those with “less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters”) are DEA Schedule V drugs. Thus, some medicines containing DXM may be scheduled, although DXM is not. In most cases, though, DXM is used as a substitute for codeine in cough medicine, so most Schedule V cough suppressants do not contain DXM.
A Brief History of DXM
DXM was first synthesized and used in cough medicine in the 1950s. As we mentioned a moment ago, it was first developed to replace codeine in these drugs, as there had been a rise in the abuse of cough medicines containing codeine. There was no known abuse of DXM for a few years, but by the 1960s, there had been some reports of abuse.
DXM abuse did not become widespread until the late 1990s. At that time and since then, most users seem to be adolescents seeking an easily accessible high. DXM is inexpensive, readily available, and unscheduled, making it potentially the easiest mind-altering substance for teens to get their hands on.
- Answered by: δΈ
- Published: 09/16/2016
- Updated: 03/14/2023
Read more FAQ...
We are an education company, not a law firm. The information and content we provide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We make no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. It is important to always consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal counsel pertaining to your individual circumstances.
Related courses
Mock Collections for DOT Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT)
$700.00
DOT Oral Fluid Collector Train-the-Trainer
$2,000.00
Non-DOT Hair Collector Basic Proficiency Training
$60.00
Non-DOT Urine Specimen Collection Initial Proficiency Training
$60.00
DOT Breath Alcohol Technician Basic Proficiency Training
$60.00
DOT Urine Specimen Collector Basic Proficiency Training
$60.00
DOT Oral Fluid Collector Training
$500.00
FAA Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
$44.00
Training on New York's Workplace Drug Testing Laws
$350.00
Training on California Workplace Drug Testing Laws
$350.00
Non-DOT Urine Specimen Collector Train-the-Trainer
$2,000.00
Training on Texas Workplace Drug Testing Laws
$350.00