Popular drugs for coughing and sore throat, consumed in the doses indicated in the leaflet, inhibit the coughing reflex and soothe any pain. However, when taken in larger amounts, they act like a drug - they cause delusions and euphoria. Why? Because they contain dextromethorphan hydrobromide, codeine and pseudoephedrine - substances that can even lead to death.
Cough medicationsover the counter are intended for people struggling with hoarseness, itching or thick discharge in the throat. However, more and more often they are used for a completely different purpose. All becausecough medications in high doses act like drugs.Knowing how to use them to be on the so-called high, you can surf the Internet without any problems.
Cough medications - why can they be addictive?
Most cough medications contain three addictive substances:
- Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide,
- codeine phosphate,
- pseudoephedrine.
Dextromethorphan and codeine phosphate are substances that work similarly to opium and exert a very strong influence on the central nervous system. In turn, pseudoephedrine is a derivative of amphetamine. All these substances, when taken in accordance with the instructions provided in the leaflet, have a healing effect - they inhibit coughing, soothe a sore throat or expectorate. However, if we take them in doses higher than recommended by the doctor, they will become psychoactive substances, i.e. drugs. The overdose will result in a state of drug intoxication as well as physical and mental dependence.
Cough medications - symptoms of overdose
The maximum daily dose of dextromethorphan is 120 mg and codeine is 300 mg. Consuming more may cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of overdosing on popular drugs, such as:
- motor agitation,
- balance disorders and motor incoherence
- anxiety, anxiety and panic attacks,
- aggressive behavior,
- halucynajce,
- body tremor,
- itchy skin (dextromethorphan helps to release histamine - a substance that causes allergy symptoms).
The risk of addiction increases if we take it together with cough medicationspotassium permanganate, thanks to which we can easily precipitate methcathinone - a strong psychoactive agent.
What to do if a child is addicted to cough medications?
Under no circumstances should the problem be underestimated. Through various online forums, your child has access to information on how to get intoxicated quickly with cough and sore throat medications. Hence, start by talking honestly with your teen. Just in case, contact an addiction support organization. You will receive information on how to help a child who is experimenting with addictive drugs. Remember also about systematic searches of your child's personal belongings, thanks to which you will find out what specific substances they are addicted to.