Dextromethorphan in Wisconsin drivers.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology May 1, 2007 Amy Cochems, Patrick Harding, Laura Liddicoat
Dextromethorphan, a common cough-suppressant ingredient in over-the-counter medications, is abused by young adults for psychoactive effects similar to marijuana and, at higher doses, dissociative effects. Analysis of blood samples from suspected impaired drivers in Wisconsin between 1999 and 2004 found 108 samples positive for dextromethorphan. Concentrations ranged from less than 5 to 1800 ng/mL (mean 207 ng/mL), far exceeding the therapeutic range of 0.5-5.9 ng/mL. The highest concentrations occurred in males aged 16-20. Ninety-six percent of specimens also contained other drugs. Dextromethorphan-impaired drivers showed poor performance on field sobriety tests, gaze nystagmus, and signs of central nervous system depression.