Classification: Hallucinogenic dissociative, antitussive
Commercial Names: Robitussin, NyQuil, Dimetapp, Vick’s, Coricidin, Tussin, Delsym
Common Names/Nicknames: D, DXM, dex, CCC, robo, red devil, poor man’s PCP
Active Compound: Dextromethrophan
Found in: Cough suppressants (antitussives), purple drank, sizzurp, Texas tea
Mode of Consumption: Ingestion
DEA Scheduling/Legal Status (in US): Unscheduled. Legal in all states
Effects:
Hallucinations, dissociation, euphoria, slurred speech, amnesia
Risks:
Acute: confusion, disorientation, hyperthermia, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting
Chronic: Erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, insomnia, toxic psychosis, permanent brain damage, permanent liver damage
Dangerous Drug Combinations:
Potentially fatal mix with acetaminophen/paracetamol (Brand names: Tylenol, Triaminic, Panadol). Possibly dangerous with decongestants.
Special Considerations:
Dextromethorphan use (often called robotripping) carries very low risk of overdose.
And remember, if somebody may need help, play it safe and call for medical assistance.
“Students may bring an intoxicated or drug-impaired friend to University Health Services or to a hospital, or seek assistance from College residential life staff or HUPD, and by doing this, neither they nor the friend will face disciplinary action from the College for having used or provided alcohol or drugs.”
The Amnesty Policy
Harvard College Student Handbook
Sources:
Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition), by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson. Published 2008 by W. W. Norton & Company.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), part of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Erowid Organization