Hold DM is a brand name medication for generic drug dextromethorphan. It acts as a cough suppressant by sending signals in the brain that inhibit the triggering of the cough reflex. It is effective in treating a cough that is caused by allergies and the common cold, but is not effective on coughs caused by smoking, asthma or emphysema. When it is used illegally on the street, its use is known as skittling or Robo-tripping, referencing its many Robitussin variations.
Hold DM is found in many over-the-counter cold medications. Other brand names of dextromethorphan included medications are Delsym, Benylin, Percussion CS Children, Percussion ES, Robitussin Cough Calmers, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, Scot-Tussin Diabetic, Scot-Tussin DM Cough Chasers, St. Joseph Cough Suppressant, Tussin Pediatric, Vicks 44 Cough Medicine and Vicks Formula 44.
Abuse of Hold DM
Hold DM and other dextromethorphan medications have a high potential for abuse due to the ease of acquisition and low cost. Teenagers present the greatest concern for abuse and in part due to the growing use of the Internet to access information on how to abuse the drugs. Many websites now offer information how to generate extreme highs out of medications easily attained or found at home.
Abusers of Hold DM report hallucination, a heightened sense of perceptual awareness, and altered time perception. Abuse of the drug can also create varied responses like lethargy or hyper-excitability, ataxia and slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and nystagmus. Hold DM abuse is most common in liquid forms of the drug, while the abuse of tablet and gel capsules has increased in recent years.
Effects of Hold DM
When taken at normal levels, Hold DM is an effective cough suppressant and can induce feelings of drowsiness and relaxation. When taken at higher doses, many individuals report the effects are very similar to those of marijuana. When Hold DM is taken, the body will slow and feel more at ease while the brain acts at a reduced capacity.
Side effects of this drug often include allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. More serious side effects include severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness; confusion, hallucinations; or slow, shallow breathing. Withdrawal symptoms are possible if there is an abrupt cessation of Hold DM while the individual has developed a dependence to the drug.
Withdrawal of Hold DM
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the Hold DM withdrawal stage:
• Restlessness
• Muscle aches
• Bone aches
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Cold flashes
Treatment of Hold DM Addiction
Addiction to Hold DM can occur if the drug is taken too long or in too high of doses. Withdrawal is intense and can be life-threatening if not monitored. Therefore, it is important that those with an addiction seek the help from a physician and psychiatrist in order to stop taking the drug and to learn how to function normally without it.
Detoxification in a qualified treatment center is often indicated in cases of addiction to cleanse the body. Many centers suggest comfortable detoxification using withdrawal medications specific to Hold DM abuse. A full physical and psychological work up is required to determine the right medications.