DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines DXM, dextromethorphan, otherwise known as cough medicine.
What is it and what does it look like?
DXM is a cough-suppressant, and is found in many over-the-counter and prescription cold medicines and liquid cough syrups, tablets or gel caps.
Other street names?
· Dex
· Tussin
· C-C-C
· Red Devils
· Robo
· Skittles
· Triple C
· Poor Man’s PCP
What are the short- and long-term effects?
· Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
· Seizures
· Confusion
· Hallucinations
· Sleep problems
· Numbness of fingers and toes
· High blood pressure and irregular heart beat
· Brain damage
· Death
What every parent should know:
Prescription cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine is also misused among youth. It is often mixed with soda and hard candies to make what kids call “Sizzurp.” This is especially dangerous since the person does not know how much of the harmful ingredients they are consuming and overdose is possible, causing seizures and even death.
The mission of DrugFreeAZKids.org is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
