Dextromethorphan is a safe ingredient-when taken in the right dosage-included in over the counter cough medicine in the form of tablets, syrup or gel caps. There more than 100 over the counter medicine in drugstores that contain DXM. There are also some store brands which contain DXM. You need to look at the bottle label and look for Dextromethorphan as an active ingredient.

Cough medicine abuse

Cough medicine abuse is to take a OTC medication which contain DXM is a dosage higher than what is prescribed on the bottle label. Addicts will take large dosage to get high. Abusing cough medicine is very dangerous for the health of the abuser. DXM is also abused with other substance such as alcohol and illegal drugs which amplifies the effects and also the danger of it.

In a recent study , it was found that cough medicine is a greater problem than what was actually thought. DXM abuse is widespread amongst teens. The study shows that over 2 millions teens have abused cough medicine and a lot have found the information on the internet. Teens found disreputable information about DXM where it promotes the abuse of cough medicine. These sites even teach kids on how to extract DXM from the cough medicine so they can snort it.

The effects of cough medicine

The following effects will vary in strength and could be fatal depending on the amount of cough medicine taken:

• confusion
• dizziness
• double or blurred vision
• slurred speech
• loss of physical coordination
• abdominal pain
• nausea and vomiting
• rapid heart beat
• drowsiness
• numbness of fingers and toes
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• loss of motor control

The side effects of DXM can be worsened if it is taken with other substances.

Prevention

Parents should educate themselves about cough medicine abuse. Monitor your child's internet use. Make sure that your child knows that abusing cough medicine is very dangerous. Always safeguard the location of medications in the house and beware of the quantities in the bottles. Always know who your teen's friends are. These are good advices to make your kid does not get addicted to cough medicine.

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^{References
http://www.drugfree.org/Files/Preventing_Teen_Cough_Medicine_Abuse/}