Winter brings with it the familiar woes of colds and flus, and for many, the go-to solution is over-the-counter medications like Bromphen PSE DM. While this drug can provide temporary relief from cold and flu symptoms, it comes with a hidden danger that often goes unnoticed or ignored: its addictive potential. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a safe and steady recovery while avoiding the risks associated with Bromphen PSE DM.

Understanding the Ingredients in Bromphen PSE DM

Bromphen PSE DM is a compound medication comprising brompheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and dextromethorphan, all well-known over-the-counter medicines. This powerful combination is designed to combat coughs, common colds, and other flu symptoms.

  • Brompheniramine maleate is an antihistamine that tackles sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergy-related symptoms. It’s a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medications.
  • Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a nasal decongestant that helps relieve congestion and sinus pressure.
  • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is a cough suppressant that quells the urge to cough by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain.

Forms and Dosages

Bromphen PSE DM comes in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, and packets. While capsules and tablets are the most common, liquid forms may be recommended for those with difficulty swallowing.
Dosages vary based on the severity of your symptoms, with higher doses often requiring a prescription. Common dosages include 473ml of 30-2-10mg/5ml, 118ml of 30-2-10mg/5ml, and 5ml of 30-2-10mg/5ml.

Proper Usage

Using any medication correctly is essential for maximum effectiveness and to prevent misuse. Follow your doctor’s or the label’s instructions carefully, depending on the form of the medicine:

  • Tablets or capsules should not be crushed or chewed; swallow them whole.
  • Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing.
  • Fizzy tablets must be dissolved in half a cup of water and consumed immediately.
  • Liquid forms require precise dosage measurements with marked instruments.

Safety Precautions

Before taking Bromphen PSE DM, discuss the following with your healthcare provider:

  1. Heart Disease or High Blood Pressure: Pseudoephedrine can affect heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous if you have these conditions.
  2. Other Medications: Inform your doctor if you’re taking MAO inhibitor drugs or other over-the-counter medications for cough and cold symptoms.
  3. Allergies: Any allergies or sensitivities to other substances should be disclosed to determine if this medication is safe for you.
  4. Breastfeeding: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor as Brompheniramine PSE DM passes into breast milk.
  5. Other Health Issues: If you have conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, or COPD, let your doctor know.

The Addictive Potential

All components of Bromphen PSE DM have a high addictive potential:

  1. Brompheniramine maleate can induce sedation similar to benzodiazepines, potentially causing euphoria in high doses.
  2. Pseudoephedrine acts similarly to amphetamine stimulants and can lead to addiction.
  3. Dextromethorphan, when used chronically in high doses, can result in withdrawal symptoms.

While this drug is generally safe when taken as prescribed, it can become addictive when misused. It’s crucial to be aware of its addictive potential, especially if you have a history of addiction.

What Parents Can Do To Prevent Cough Medicine Abuse

Educate Yourself
Educate yourself about cough medicine abuse and share this information with others who are in contact with your teen, such as school administrators, coaches, and counselors.

Know your state’s laws
21 states prohibit the sale of DXM products to minors (under the age of 18).
Find out if your state is one of them by visiting CHPA’s page on Preventing Dextromethorphan Abuse at https://www.chpa.org/about-consumerhealthcare/activities-initiatives/preventingdextromethorphan-abuse.

Talk to Your Teens
Be clear that you do not want your teen taking medicine without your knowledge.

Teach your teens and younger children to respect medicines.
Medicines are important tools in healthcare, but they must be used according to their directions.
Make sure your teen understands that abusing cough medicine — just like abusing illegal drugs — can be very dangerous.

Safeguard Medications
Know what medicines are in your home and take notice if they go missing.

If your teen needs medicines during school hours, speak with school officials about medicine policies.

What Are Slang Terms for Dextromethorphan?

The most common terms include:

  • DXM
  • Skittles
  • Tussin
  • Dex/Drex
  • Syrup

Terms for abusing dextromethorphan include:

  • Robo
  • Triple-C
  • Robo-ing
  • Robotripping
  • Dexing
  • Skittling
  • Lean

What is robotripping?

Using terms like “robotripping,” “dexing,” or “skittling” refers to the misuse of dextromethorphan (DXM) to achieve various psychological and physical effects. While DXM is a legal and accessible ingredient in many over-the-counter cough medicines, abusing it by taking doses higher than recommended can lead to serious harm.

Many DXM-containing products also include other active ingredients, which can be dangerous in large quantities.

What Does DXM Feel Like, What is third plateu?

The experience of robotripping varies depending on the dosage of DXM consumed, with effects escalating through different stages or “plateu.”

1st plateu:
At a dose of 100 to 200 milligrams (mg), DXM can produce mild stimulation, often described as similar to the effects of ecstasy. Users may feel more energetic, social, and talkative.

2nd plateu:
With doses between 200 to 400 mg, the effects become more akin to alcohol intoxication, but with a greater reduction in motor skills and cognitive function. Euphoria and hallucinations are common at this stage.

3rd plateu:
Third plateu of DMX.
At 400 to 600 mg, the effects become more intense, resembling those of ketamine. Users may experience strong dissociation, intense hallucinations, and significant loss of motor coordination.

According to Whatisdxm.com;

Third plateau is a term DXM abusers use to describe a kind of feeling that can occur when they take DXM in doses which far exceed recommended doses. Sometimes these users categorize the high they experience into different “plateaus,” with effects ranging from mild distortions of color and sound to visual hallucinations, dissociative sensations, and loss of motor control. While users describe four plateaus, it is unclear if all users actually experience the same combinations of effects when abusing dextromethorphan.

4th plateu:
Taking between 500 to 1,500 mg of DXM leads to the most severe effects, comparable to those of powerful hallucinogens like PCP. This stage can induce a trance-like state, with out-of-body sensations, delirium, and aggressive behavior. The effects can be prolonged, sometimes lasting up to two weeks, although this is rare.

Overdose Symptoms

Overdosing on Bromphen PSE DM can lead to severe symptoms, including:

  • Severe headache
  • Hallucinations
  • Lightheadedness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Convulsions

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and contact the Poison Control Center.

Cold Medicine Abuse

Misuse and abuse of cold medicines, particularly those containing dextromethorphan (DXM), are indeed a concern, especially among teenagers. According to a 2020 study by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), approximately 3.7% of teens reported using over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines, such as those containing DXM, to get high. This statistic underscores the potential dangers associated with the abuse of these readily accessible medications. Dextromethorphan, found in many OTC cough and cold medicines like Bromphen PSE DM, can produce dissociative and hallucinogenic effects when taken in excessive doses, making it a target for misuse​.

According to Stop Medicine Abuse platform; Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a safe & effective ingredient
found in many over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines,
but approximately 1 in 32 teens reports abusing excessive amounts of DXM to get high.

Are DXM and lean the same thing?

No, they are not the same, although both involve the misuse of cough suppressants. The primary difference lies in the active ingredient. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is the active ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicines that are often abused for their psychoactive effects. In contrast, the active ingredient in “lean,” also known as “drank,” “purple drank,” “sizzurp,” or “syrup,” is codeine, which is available only by prescription. Lean can be particularly dangerous as it depresses the central nervous and respiratory systems, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Treatment Options for Bromphen PSE DM

Treatment for Bromphen PSE DM abuse should be tailored to the individual’s dependence severity and any underlying mental health conditions. Common treatment options include:

  • Detox programs to safely remove toxins from the body and manage withdrawal symptoms.
  • Rehabilitation programs, both residential and outpatient, to understand and address substance abuse
  • Sober-living housing for a supportive environment during the transition to outpatient treatment.
  • Dextromethorphan (DXM) addiction therapy is particularly relevant due to its presence in Bromphen PSE DM.

Seek Professional Help

Addiction is a significant concern that requires expert intervention. Whether you or someone you care about is grappling with dependence on an over-the-counter medication or illicit substances, seeking guidance from an addiction specialist is crucial for effective treatment. Remember, it’s never too late to embark on the path to recovery. Reach out today to discover the assistance available at Still Detox in Boca Raton, Florida, and take the first step towards a brighter future.