How DXM Works: Dosage Levels, Risks, and Dangerous Mistakes
Dextromethorphan, or DXM, is a cough suppressant ingredient found in most over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications. If you take a higher than recommended dose of DXM, you put yourself at risk of feeling euphoria, mild stimulation, and hallucinations. Taking the DXM dosage required to feel these effects is dangerous and can result in complete dissociation, psychosis, or unconsciousness. While this drug is legal and is not a controlled substance, the misuse of DXM is common enough that many prescription medication detox centers in Florida offer programs for individuals wanting to quit using DXM.
Table of contents
» What Is Robotripping?
» What Is DXM Abuse?
» How to Stop Robotripping?
» Can You Overdose on DXM?
» Key Takeaways on DXM Dosage
» Resources
What Is Robotripping?
Robotripping is a slang term for the recreational misuse of DXM. Also known as dexing or skittling, robotripping involves taking higher than recommended DXM dosages to feel a range of psychological and physical effects. DXM causes different stages, or plateaus, that vary with the amount you consume. The plateaus can best be described as:
- First Plateau: When you take between 100 and 200 milligrams (mg) of DXM, you’ll likely feel mild stimulation or hyperactivity. You may also feel a bit dizzy. This first plateau does not pose as many health risks as the second or third plateau, but it still puts you at risk of feeling negative effects.
- Second Plateau: Similar to alcohol intoxication, taking 200 to 400 mg of DXM can decrease your motor and cognitive functioning. The second plateau may also produce hallucinations or euphoria. The risk of respiratory distress is greater in this stage of robotripping.
- Third Plateau: Between 500 and 1,500 mg of DXM can cause extreme effects, comparable to those of phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP). Depending on the specific dosage, you may enter a trance-like state or exhibit violent or erratic behavior in the third plateau of robotripping.
What Is DXM Abuse?
DXM is not illegal in any U.S. state. Abuse of DXM may present as recreational use of a standard cold medication that is commonly found in most households. When you take an OTC substance looking for a high, instead of the intended purpose, that can be classified as abuse. The misuse of DXM in adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 25 years accounts for around half of all DXM-related emergency room visits.
If you regularly take DXM and experience adverse side effects, you may be abusing DXM. A few examples of negative side effects include loss of interest in everyday activities, paranoia, slurring of words, or severe agitation. If you suspect you or a loved one is abusing DXM, be sure to find the appropriate professional support. There are many resources available to you that can help you identify your level of abuse and the opportunity to not misuse DXM.
How to Stop Robotripping?
Stopping robotripping can be challenging, no matter how often or how much DXM you take. If you want to take this substance no longer, you do not have to do it alone. Professional help for the signs of DMX substance abuse is available to you in both full-time and part-time formats. Having many levels of support before, during, and after stopping robotripping can help you stay true to your goal of quitting.
Withdrawals from DXM can be challenging to predict, but manageable with the right resources. Withdrawal symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, and cold intolerance. Many addiction treatment centers offer a range of rehabilitation services designed to help manage your withdrawal experience. Stopping robotripping can be difficult, but therapy is a common method of treatment that can help you overcome your misuse of DXM.
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Can You Overdose on DXM?
Yes, you can overdose on DXM. A high DXM dosage can result in a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. An overdose occurs when you take more than the normal or recommended amount of DXM on purpose or by accident. Signs of overdose include:
- Breathing Issues: Problems with your breathing may feel like you cannot take a deep breath or that you are breathing quickly without relief. Your vision may blur if your body isn’t getting enough oxygen to function properly.
- Extreme Sedation: Struggling to keep your eyes open or limbs moving can indicate an overdose of DXM. The best way to ensure any sedation effects are not life-threatening is not to take DXM without someone nearby to assess your condition and contact help if needed.
- Overheating: DXM is sometimes taken in social settings, such as bars or concerts. When you are moving and dancing, there is an increased risk of overheating when consuming DXM. Staying cool should be a priority if you are going to be in a crowded, warm place while robotripping.
If you believe you or a loved one is overdosing on DXM, you should seek emergency medical services immediately. Having trouble breathing, staying awake, or feeling cool are just a few of the reasons you may need to seek care. When you no longer feel in control of your DXM experience, the best course of action is to call for help, whether that be a friend or a qualified medical professional.
Key Takeaways on DXM Dosage
- Risk of Use: When you take a higher than recommended dose of DXM, you are at risk of several side effects, including euphoria and hallucinations. There is also a risk of taking too much and losing control over your bodily functions.
- Robotripping: Robotripping is the act of taking DXM with the intention of feeling high. DXM is not illegal and can be found in household cold medication, making it a more easily accessible substance for children.
- Levels of Danger: The danger of taking DXM is best described by three plateaus. As you increase the amount you’re taking, the effects become more noticeable and potentially life-threatening.
- Defining Abuse: Misuse of DXM is the consumption of the drug for effects not advertised on the container. If you suspect you or someone you care about is abusing DXM, there are typically signs. Losing interest in things that used to excite you, having trouble sleeping or staying awake, and the inability to stop taking DXM are all clues that you may need help to quit.
- Signs of Overdose: Overdosing on DXM is serious and almost always requires emergency medical attention. Trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, and overheating are just a few examples of side effects that may indicate you need to call 911.
Using and abusing DXM should be taken seriously, as the risk of overdose is always present with this type of medication. If you are concerned about the DXM dosage you are taking or how often you feel you need to take it, there are resources available to help you determine whether you need to stop.
At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Florida, our dedicated team is prepared to walk you through the steps you can take to stop using DXM. Our detox centers are equipped to provide you with the personalized support you need to make a lasting change in your life. You can call us at 877-855-3470 to learn more today.
Resources
- Medical News Today – What to know about tripping on DXM
- Healthline – Everything You Need to Know About Robotripping
- UF Health – Dextromethorphan Overdose
- Poison Control – Dextromethorphan Abuse
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
