What Is Dextromethorphan (DXM) Addiction?
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant available over-the-counter in cough syrups, tablets, capsules, and powders that produces dissociative and hallucinogenic effects at doses far exceeding the therapeutic level. At therapeutic doses (15 to 30 mg), DXM suppresses cough by acting on the cough center in the medulla. At doses of 250 to 1,500+ mg—levels achievable through purchase of multiple bottles of cough syrup or pure powder—DXM acts as a noncompetitive antagonist at the NMDA receptor, producing powerful dissociative and psychotomimetic effects similar to phencyclidine (PCP). Recreational DXM use, colloquially called "robotripping" or "dexing," has escalated dramatically in the past two decades, particularly among adolescents and young adults, because the drug is legal, inexpensive, and accessible in any pharmacy or convenience store without age restriction in most jurisdictions. Chronic DXM abuse causes severe, often irreversible neurological damage, hepatotoxicity, and significant psychological dependence. At Trust SoCal, we provide comprehensive treatment addressing both the acute harms of DXM toxicity and the underlying psychological drives toward dissociative substance use.
