Dextromethorphan recreational use and poisoning – the social and psychological background
Małgorzata Koziarska-Rościszewska, Aleksandra Piątek, Katarzyna Kobza-Sindlewska, Michał Krakowiak, Renata Winnicka, Anna Krakowiak
Family Medicine & Primary Care Review 2018 DOI: 10.5114/fmpcr.2018.76456 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 103 |
| Population | Adults and youths with dextromethorphan poisoning in Łódź Province, Poland |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key findings | Recreational use was the main reason for admission in 53% of 103 dextromethorphan poisoning cases, predominantly among adolescents and young adults, with doses ranging from 5 to 120 tablets of 15 mg and alcohol co-ingestion in 45%. The authors report gender differences in psychosocial risk factors, with living alone and relationship problems more frequent in females, and suggest family environment, substance addiction, and organic disease may contribute to dextromethorphan dependence. |
Abstract
analysis, D -data interpretation, E -Manuscript Preparation, F -literature search, G -Funds collectionBackground. dextromethorphan (dXM) is a widely used over-the-counter antitussive drug. in supratherapeutic doses, it exerts psychoactive effects.Use of dXM seems very common among people seeking 'illegal or legal highs'.Objectives. the aim of the study is to assess the social and psychological features of dXM users.Material and methods.data on dXM poisoning (n = 103; adults and youths) in lodz Province from January 2011 to March 2015 were obtained.Furthermore, analyses of the psychological or psychiatric examination of patients were performed.the symptoms of acute intoxication and ingested doses were reported to evaluate the course and possible tolerance.Results.recreational dXM poisoning was the main reason for the admission of the majority of patients (53%).this phenomenon was observed mainly in the group of adolescents and young adults.the average dose ranged from 5 up to 120 pills of 15 mg each.coadministration with alcohol was reported in 45% of patients.clinical presentation included predominantly balance disorders, psychomotor retardation and agitation.there was a difference in psychosocial risk factors between genders: living alone and relationship problems were significantly more frequent in females.Conclusions.our study highlights gender differences in psychosocial risk factors for dXM use, a potential role of the family environment, substance addiction, and organic diseases in the development of dXM dependence.