Cough medicine abuse

Description Abuse of cough medi...

Description

Abuse of cough medicine is becoming more common, especially among teenagers. Information on the internet enables the abusers to know which drugs are most effective for producing a "high" and how much to ingest. The main ingredient of abuse is dextromethorphan. This drug is easily available in many over the counter cold medications, including Robitussin DM and Triaminic.

Symptoms

Impaired judgment, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of coordination , paranoia, hallucinations, excessive sweating, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, fainting, rapid heart rate, numbness, brain damage, seizures, death.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests will be performed to rule out other causes of the altered mental status.

Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)

Other Specific Tests: Urine tox screen, Tylenol and aspirin levels

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Medical Toxicology, Addiction Medicine

Treatment

Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: supporting the vital signs with intravenous fluids, preventing the patient from hurting themselves, sedation, and anti-seizure medications. Severe cases may require artificial ventilation with a breathing tube (intubation).