One of the facts coming to light these days is the abuse of DXM or dextromethorphan, an ingredient in many over the counter cough and cold medications. DXM is a cough suppressant that works by elevating the threshold at which the brain tells the body to cough. In extremely large doses, it can give a 'high'. The medications are completely safe when used in prescribed and recommended amounts. The truly bothersome news is that teens are being sold DXM in a pure powdered form. Sometimes, it is put into capsules and sold on the streets or by students to each other. The awful truth is that it can be purchased via the Internet.

Overdosing can cause dizziness, irregular heart beats, diminishing coordination and poor judgment. Nausea, hallucinations, hot flashes, damage to the brain and seizures are serious side effects that can lead to eventual death with persistent abuse. Because over the counter cold and cough medications containing DXM are convenient to buy, it is easy for teens to begin abusing the dosages in order to feel dizzy and high. When mixed with alcohol, DXM can be deadly.

As parents, we all need to notice if our teens are taking medication when they are not ill, are taking more than recommended dosages and if medication is missing from the medicine cabinet. If you suspect improper usage, search your child's room, gym bag and backpack.
You must talk to your children at an early age about the need to respect medication and their bodies. Just the right dose can make them feel better and more than that can make them very ill and, even cause death. Parents should be cognizant of the sites your child/teen visits. If you see emails with these words or hear them in casual conversation, "Dex, DM, Drex, Red Devils. Robo, Skittles, Tussin, Velvet or Vitamin D", you are listening to the street names for DXM and have every right to confront your child/teen about the truth concerning the abuse of DXM.