Trippin' on cough medicine

Dextromethorphan, or DXM (aka, Orange crush, Red Devils, Triple C's, Skittles, Dex) is a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter and some prescription cough, cold, and allergy preparations, available in a variety of forms (e.g., gelcaps, syrups). DXM works directly on the brain to suppress coughing. When used according to package directions and/or as directed by a health care provider, DXM is a safe medication with few side effects. When taken at doses exceeding medical recommendation, however, DXM has powerful, mindaltering properties and a host of potentially dangerous and life-threatening side effects.