Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that can cause intoxication in relatively large doses. Dextrorphan is a psychoactive metabolite with effects similar to phencyclidine (PCP).
Methods of intoxication:
(1) drinking a large quantity of cough suppressant
(2) extracting the dextromethorphan from the cough syrup
(3) dry powder (dextromethorphan hydrobromide)
Clinical findings:
(1) heightened sense of awareness, often with a distorted perception of time
(2) visual hallucinations and/or psychosis
(3) hyperexcitability or lethargy
(4) slurred speech
(5) vomiting
(6) diaphoresis (sweating)
(7) ataxia
(8) hypertension
(9) nystagmus
A person who ingests a large amount of cough suppressant is at risk for side effects from other additives to the cough suppressant, such as acetaminophen or antihistamines.
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