Cough and Cold Medicine (DXM and Codeine Syrup)
Street names: Candy, Drank, Robo
Also known as: Robotripping, Robo, Tussin, Triple C, Dex, Skittles, Candy, Velvet, and Drank
Millions
of Americans take cough and cold medicines each year to help with
symptoms of colds, and when taken as instructed, these medicines can be
safe and effective. However, several cough and cold medicines contain
ingredients that are psychoactive (mind-altering) when taken in
higher-than-recommended dosages, and some people misuse them. These
products also contain other ingredients that can add to the risks. Many
of these medicines are bought “over the counter” (OTC),meaning you do
not need a prescription to have them.Two commonly misused cough and cold medicines are:
- Cough syrups and capsules containing dextromethorphan (DXM). These OTC cough medicines are safe for stopping coughs during a cold if you take them as directed. Taking more than the recommended amount can produce euphoria (a relaxed pleasurable feeling) but also dissociative effects (like you are detached from your body).
- Promethazine-codeine cough syrup. These prescription medications contain an opioid drug called codeine, which stops coughs, but when taken in higher doses produces a "buzz" or "high."
How Cough and Cold Medicines Are Misused
Cough and cold medicines are usually sold in liquid syrup, capsule, or pill form. They may also come in a powder. Young people are often more likely to misuse cough and cold medicines containing DXM than some other drugs because these medicines can be purchased without a prescription.
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