Five deaths resulting from abuse of dextromethorphan sold over the internet.
Journal of analytical toxicology March 1, 2009 Barry K Logan, Gary Goldfogel, Rebecca Hamilton et al.
Five teenage males in three states died after intentionally ingesting large, recreational doses of dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough suppressant that can cause intoxication, hallucinations, and dissociation at high doses. All obtained the drug from the same internet supplier. Postmortem blood concentrations ranged from 950 to 3230 ng/mL, far above therapeutic levels. Three also had diphenhydramine, one a trace of alprazolam, and two tested positive for cannabinoids. Each death was attributed to dextromethorphan toxicity or combined drug toxicity. The article describes the drug's metabolism, pharmacology, and interaction risks, and notes that the deaths led to prosecution of three individuals involved in selling or distributing the drug.