Robitussin Cough Calmers is a brand name medication for the generic drug dextromethorphan. As the name implies, it is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. However, it is not effective in treating a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma or emphysema. Robitussin Cough Calmers is found in over-the-counter cold medications. When it is used on the street, its use is known as Robo-tripping or skittling, paying homage to the many Robitussin variations, including Cough Calmers.
Other brand names of dextromethorphan include Benilyn, Delsym, Hold DM, Percussion CS Children, Percussion ES, 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 Robitussin Cough Calmers
Robitussin Cough Calmers medications is an easy target for abuse since it is an OTC drug and reasonably inexpensive. Teenagers present the greatest concern for abuse, and the growing number of Internet sites with information on how to abuse common drugs on the rise, the problem is growing.
Robitussin Cough Calmers abusers often report a heightened sense of perceptual awareness, altered time perception and visual hallucinations. Other reports include effects similar to those of marijuana like hyper-excitability, lethargy, ataxia, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and/or nystagmus. Additionally, if Robitussin Cough Calmers is abused, it delivers an equivalent concern as a hallucinogenic drug such as LSD. Robitussin Cough Calmers abuse is most common in liquid forms, while the abuse of tablet and gel capsules has increased recently.
Effects of Robitussin Cough Calmers
When taken at normal levels, Robitussin Cough Calmers is a quality cough suppressant, and can induce feelings of drowsiness or relaxation. Also, when Robitussin Cough Calmers is taken, the body will slow and feel more at ease while the brain acts at a reduced capacity.
Side effects can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Serious side effects include severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness; confusion, hallucinations; or slow, shallow breathing. These side effects increase with abuse. If a person develops a dependence on Robitussin Cough Calmers, problems arise if the medication is abruptly withdrawn and withdrawal symptoms are likely.
Withdrawal from Robitussin Cough Calmers
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the Robitussin Cough Calmers withdrawal stage:
Treatment of Robitussin Cough Calmers Addiction
Robitussin Cough Calmers can be addictive if the drug is taken too long or in too high of doses. As with all drugs, the withdrawal process can be painful and even life-threatening if not monitored. It is vital that all safety precautions are followed and there is proper supervision during treatment. Completely removing the drug and any dependence on it takes time and is not always pleasant, but there are ways to decrease the suffering.
Detoxification is required to fully cleanse the body and show the individual that they can live without the drug. This should be done under the care of a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist. Often 24/7 treatment centers are recommended in the early stages of treatment. Many quality treatment centers also suggest comfortable detoxification by using withdrawal medications specific to Robitussin Cough Calmers abuse. A quality center will do a full physical and psychological work up on a person to determine the right medications.