The Negative Consequences of Abusing Dextromethorphan or Robotripping

In most cases, cold medications are harmless and are helpful for treating the various symptoms that often accompany the common cold or flu. Unfortunately, cold medicines have earned a bad reputation lately because of abuse. Some people misuse these medications for the intoxicating effects that some of the active ingredients possess.

The primary active ingredient in many cough medicines is dextromethorphan. It is clear that this substance does a great job at relieving cold symptoms. Scientific studies have even discovered that this drug may also be good for treating other conditions like multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

Unfortunately, even though this drug can solve many health problems, it also has some side effects. Most people who are suffering from the conditions that are treated by dextromethorphan easily deal with these side effects in order to relieve their various ailments. The real issue arises when people who have no such ailments abuse the drug.

Some of dextromethorphan’s side effects include dizziness, faster heart rate, poor motor skills, confusion and speech problems. In more severe cases, side effects can include conditions such as hypertension, high fever and vomiting.

The term used to describe the recreational use of dextromethorphan is robotripping. This term was derived from the brand name of cough syrup called Robitussin that is commonly used. People who abuse this substance use this slang term with others who also use these medications for the enjoyment of the side effects.

The major issue arises when a person is unable to stop abusing the medication. Dextromethorphan happens to be a very addictive substance when it is take in large quantities that exceed the intended use.

The issues caused by this kind of abuse are made worse by the fact that it is not difficult to obtain cough medicine and it can be purchased for very little money. Almost anyone can purchase the medication at their neighborhood pharmacy. This ease of access is one of the main reasons why this is such as problem. Not only are adults abusing this drug, young teenagers have also been known to engage in dextromethorphan abuse as well.

It is important to try to find ways to stop the abuse of cough medication. The chance of death due to an overdose of dextromethorphan is quite possible. Even though this drug is used to treat fairly harmless cold and flu symptoms, it still has the potential to be very dangerous. If taken in high amounts and in the hands of the wrong person, this substance can be quite deadly.