Abuse of Dextromethorphan: Review and A Case Report

Dextromethorphan is a nonopioid antitussive drug. It is widely available in over-the-counter. Although it is a licit and safe drug, it can produce a substance dependence syndrome. The case is a 24 year old man who has abused dextromethorphan for 4 years. He abused 1050 mg dextromethorphan over 30 min. After 15 min of DEX consumption, he found gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness and sweating. After 30 min, his symptoms were alleviated but euphoria, hallucinations and feelings of floating started. He abused dextromethorphan to reach these symptoms. No emergency symptoms which need emergency care was found.