Dextromethorphan is a medicine that helps stop coughing. It is considered a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, including:

• Robitussin DM
• Triaminic DM
• Rondec DM
• Benylin DM
• Drixoral
• St. Joseph Cough Suppressant
• Coricidin
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough
• NyQuil
• DayQuil
• TheraFlu
• Tylenol Cold
• Dimetapp DM

The drug is also abused and sold on the streets under the names:

• Orange crush
• Triple C's
• Red Devils
• Skittles
• Dex

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

• Breathing problems
  • Breathing - slow and labored
  • Breathing - shallow
  • No breathing
• Bluish-colored fingernails and lips
• Blurred vision
• Blood pressure -- high or low
• Coma
• Constipation
• Convulsions
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Hallucinations
• Hyperthermia (raised body temperature)
• Muscle spasticity (twitches)
• Nausea
• Rapid heart beat
• Spasms of the stomach and intestines
• Vomiting