New Drug Alert: DXM Video

One in every 10 teens has tried getting high off cough syrup. Learn how to prevent abuse


Take a look at some of these videos on YouTube, there are teenagers getting high using over-the-counter cough medicine containing dextromethorphan or DXM. It's called robo tripping. The scary part, most parents don't know that abusing cough syrup is even a problem.

You know what, I haven't been aware of it and I think I have- I better get on the computer a little bit more because now that my kids are, I have to be one step ahead of them.

Kids can take up to 50 times the recommend dosage. It can cause hallucinations which can then potentially damage their brains.

The first time I tried it I couldn't even walk like it was bad and I had problems getting up and- but I really like the feeling. I like the feeling that I wasn't... I didn't feel normal.

Pharmaceutical companies have started adding a warning about potential drug abuse on cough syrup labels. Websites like and suggest parents talk with their kids about cough medicine abuse.

Kids who report learning about the drug issue at home, from whoever that adult is who's raising them, those kids are half as likely to use as kids who don't get that education.

Experts suggest parents begin talking with their kids as they transition from elementary school to middle school when drug abuse begins. I'm Terry Anzur for Good Housekeeping reports.

This Is A Developing Story

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