Dextromethorphan abuse: clinical effects and management.
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA January 1, 2009 Frank Romanelli, Kelly M Smith
Dextromethorphan (DM), a common over-the-counter cough suppressant, is increasingly abused for its dissociative effects, which at high doses (>2 mg/kg) resemble those of ketamine and phencyclidine. Clinical doses produce few adverse effects, but massive ingestions can cause tachycardia, hypertension, and respiratory depression, especially when combined with antihistamines or sympathomimetics. Management is primarily supportive, and naloxone's effectiveness for DM toxicity is conflicting. Clinicians and pharmacists should be aware of DM's abuse potential.