Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant is one of many brand names of the generic medication, dextromethorphan. This cough suppressant works by affecting the signals in the brain that can trigger the cough reflex. It should not be used to treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma or emphysema, as it will be ineffective.
Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant is available as an over-the-counter cold medication. When it is used on the street, its use is known as Robo-tripping or skittling. Other brand names of dextromethorphan include Benilyn, Delsym, Hold DM, Percussion CS Children, Percussion ES, Robitussin Maximum Strength, 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 Pediatric Cough Suppressant
Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant is considered to be an easy target for abuse simply due to the ease in which it is obtained. The greatest concern for abuse is among adolescents and the rising availability of Internet sites with information on how to abuse common drugs is leading to greater abuse.
Those abusing Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant often report a heightened sense of perceptual awareness, altered time perception and visual hallucinations. It is also known to mimic the effects of marijuana, such as hyper-excitability, lethargy, ataxia, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, and/or nystagmus. When abused, Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant delivers the equivalent of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD.
Effects of Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant
Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant can induce feelings of drowsiness or relaxation even when taken at prescribed amounts. The body has been known to slow and feel more at ease while the brain acts at a reduced capacity. Side effects have been known to 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 effects increase with abuse. If a person develops a dependence on Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant, problems arise if the medication is abruptly withdrawn and withdrawal symptoms are likely.
Withdrawal from Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant
Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant differs very little from narcotics or prescription drugs when an individual stops taking the medication after taking large doses for long periods of time. Problems can arise in abrupt cessation, including withdrawal symptoms.
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant withdrawal stage:
Treatment of Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant Addiction
Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant that is taken over extended periods of time can lead to intense pain and psychological distress when the drug is discontinued abruptly. An individual who has taken the medication long-term is likely to not only have a physiological dependence, but also a psychological dependence, which can intensity the withdrawal symptoms. As a result, it is recommended that users taper off the medication slowly under the care of a board-certified physician and board-certified addiction psychiatrist.
Entering a quality center for 24/7 comfortable detox treatment is highly recommended and will ensure the individual rids their body of the drug completely through a safe and calming method. This approach is used to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual suffering with a Robitussin Pediatric Cough Suppressant addiction and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care to address cravings for the drug.