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Shimozawa S, Usuda D, Sasaki T, Tsuge S, Sakurai R, Kawai K, Matsubara S, Tanaka R, Suzuki M, Hotchi Y, Tokunaga S, Osugi I, Katou R, Ito S, Asako S, Mishima K, Kondo A, Mizuno K, Takami H, Komatsu T, Oba J, Nomura T, Sugita M. High doses of dextromethorphan induced shock and convulsions in a 19-year-old female: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3870-3876. [PMID: 37383112 PMCID: PMC10294160 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i16.3870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dextromethorphan is a prevalent antitussive agent that can be easily obtained as an over-the-counter medication. There has been a growing number of reported cases of toxicity in recent years. Generally, there are numerous instances of mild symptoms, with only a limited number of reports of severe cases necessitating intensive care. We presented the case of a female who ingested 111 tablets of dextromethorphan, leading to shock and convulsions and requiring intensive care that ultimately saved her life.
CASE SUMMARY A 19-year-old female was admitted to our hospital via ambulance, having overdosed on 111 tablets of dextromethorphan (15 mg) obtained through an online importer in a suicide attempt. The patient had a history of drug abuse and multiple self-inflicted injuries. At the time of admission, she exhibited symptoms of shock and altered consciousness. However, upon arrival at the hospital, the patient experienced recurrent generalized clonic convulsions and status epilepticus, necessitating tracheal intubation. The convulsions were determined to have been caused by decreased cerebral perfusion pressure secondary to shock, and noradrenaline was administered as a vasopressor. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal were also administered after intubation. Through systemic management in the intensive care unit, the patient’s condition stabilized, and the need for vasopressors ceased. The patient regained consciousness and was extubated. The patient was subsequently transferred to a psychiatric facility, as suicidal ideation persisted.
CONCLUSION We report the first case of shock caused by an overdose of dextromethorphan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Shimozawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Usuda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Sasaki
- Clinical Training Center, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiho Tsuge
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Riki Sakurai
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Kawai
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Matsubara
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Risa Tanaka
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Suzuki
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Hotchi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shungo Tokunaga
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ippei Osugi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Risa Katou
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakurako Ito
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Asako
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mishima
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Mizuno
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takami
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Komatsu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Bunkyo-city 113-8421, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jiro Oba
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Nomura
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Sugita
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-city 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
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Schifano F, Chiappini S, Miuli A, Mosca A, Santovito MC, Corkery JM, Guirguis A, Pettorruso M, Di Giannantonio M, Martinotti G. Focus on Over-the-Counter Drugs' Misuse: A Systematic Review on Antihistamines, Cough Medicines, and Decongestants. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:657397. [PMID: 34025478 PMCID: PMC8138162 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.657397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Over the past 20 years or so, the drug misuse scenario has seen the emergence of both prescription-only and over-the-counter (OTC) medications being reported as ingested for recreational purposes. OTC drugs such as antihistamines, cough/cold medications, and decongestants are reportedly the most popular in being diverted and misused. Objective: While the current related knowledge is limited, the aim here was to examine the published clinical data on OTC misuse, focusing on antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, and dimenhydrinate), dextromethorphan (DXM)- and codeine-based cough medicines, and the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out with the help of Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the related gray literature. For data gathering purposes, both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and PROSPERO guidelines were followed (PROSPERO identification code CRD42020209261). Results: After completion of the selection, eligibility, and screening phases, some 92 articles were here taken into consideration; case reports, surveys, and retrospective case series analyses were included. Findings were organized according to the specific OTC recorded. Most articles focused here on DXM (n = 54) and diphenhydramine (n = 12). When specified, dosages, route(s) of administration, toxicity symptoms (including both physical and psychiatric ones), and outcomes were here reported. Conclusion: Results from the systematic review showed that the OTC misusing issues are both widespread worldwide and popular; vulnerable categories include adolescents and young adults, although real prevalence figures remain unknown, due to a lack of appropriate monitoring systems. Considering the potential, and at times serious, adverse effects associated with OTC misusing issues, healthcare professionals should be vigilant, and ad hoc preventative actions should be designed and implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Miuli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Santovito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - John M Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
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3
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A novel and simple LC–MS/MS quantitative method for dextromethorphan and dextrorphan in oral fluid. Bioanalysis 2019; 11:913-922. [DOI: 10.4155/bio-2018-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To develop and validate a simple method using LC–MS/MS for determination of dextromethorphan (DXM) and dextrorphan (DT) in human oral fluid. Results: Following protein precipitation, chromatographic separation used a phenyl column with isocratic elution (1 ml/min) of 10 mM ammonium-formate buffer and acetonitrile (65:35; v/v) with 0.1% formic acid. Retention times were 2.6 min for DT and 5 min for DXM. Total run time was 7 min. The intra- and inter-assay deviations (accuracy) for DT (1–100 ng/ml) and DXM (5–1000 ng/ml) ranged from -13.6 to 8.8% and -9.6 to 5.7%, respectively. Precision variations were ≤7.5%. Matrix effect was ≤11.8%. Conclusion: This method may prove helpful for quantification of DT and DXM in oral fluid for either clinical or toxicological purposes.
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Abstract
Adolescent substance abuse remains common, with almost a third of adolescents admitting to ethanol use, and a quarter admitting to illicit drug use. It is essential for pediatricians to regularly screen adolescent patients for substance use, because early initiation of drug use has been associated with physical, behavioral, and social health risks. Adolescents abuse what is common and readily available; this includes ethanol, over-the-counter products, marijuana, and inhalants. The most common and effective clinical treatments for significant toxicity from substances of abuse is symptomatic and supportive care including hemodynamic support, respiratory support, and sedation to control psychomotor agitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Sam Wang
- Section of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO.,Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, CO
| | - Christopher Hoyte
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Hospital, Denver, CO.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University Hospital, Aurora, CO
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Tran HQ, Chung YH, Shin EJ, Tran TV, Jeong JH, Jang CG, Nah SY, Yamada K, Nabeshima T, Kim HC. MK-801, but not naloxone, attenuates high-dose dextromethorphan-induced convulsive behavior: Possible involvement of the GluN2B receptor. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 334:158-166. [PMID: 28916251 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Dextromethorphan (DM) is a dextrorotatory isomer of levorphanol, a typical morphine-like opioid. When administered at supra-antitussive doses, DM produces psychotoxic and neurotoxic effects in humans. Although DM abuse has been well-documented, few studies have examined the effects of high-dose DM. The present study aimed to explore the effects of a single high dose of DM on mortality and seizure occurrence. After intraperitoneal administration with a high dose of DM (80mg/kg), Sprague-Dawley rats showed increased seizure occurrence and intensity. Hippocampal expression levels of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits (GluN1<GluN2A<GluN2B), c-Fos and pro-apoptotic factors (Bax and cleaved caspase-3) were upregulated by DM treatment; while levels of anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) were downregulated. Consistently, DM also induced ultrastructural degeneration in the hippocampus. A non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, attenuated these effects of high-dose DM, whereas an opioid antagonist, naloxone, did not affect DM-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, pretreatment with a highly specific GluN2B subunit inhibitor, traxoprodil, was selectively effective in preventing DM-induced c-Fos expression and apoptotic changes. These results suggest that high-dose DM produces convulsive behaviors by activating GluN2B/NMDA signaling that leads to pro-apoptotic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Quyen Tran
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Hee Chung
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Shin
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - The-Vinh Tran
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeol Nah
- Ginsentology Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon 24341, Republic of Korea.
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Perry PJ, Fredriksen K, Chew S, Ip EJ, Lopes I, Doroudgar S, Thomas K. The Effects of Dextromethorphan on Driving Performance and the Standardized Field Sobriety Test. J Forensic Sci 2015; 60:1258-62. [PMID: 26294136 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is abused most commonly among adolescents as a recreational drug to generate a dissociative experience. The objective of the study was to assess driving with and without DXM ingestion. The effects of one-time maximum daily doses of DXM 120 mg versus a guaifenesin 400 mg dose were compared among 40 healthy subjects using a crossover design. Subjects' ability to drive was assessed by their performance in a driving simulator (STISIM® Drive driving simulator software) and by conducting a standardized field sobriety test (SFST) administered 1-h postdrug administration. The one-time dose of DXM 120 mg did not demonstrate driving impairment on the STISIM® Drive driving simulator or increase SFST failures compared to guaifenesin 400 mg. Doses greater than the currently recommended maximum daily dose of 120 mg are necessary to perturb driving behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Perry
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, 94592
| | | | - Stephanie Chew
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, 94592
| | - Eric J Ip
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, 94592
| | - Ingrid Lopes
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, 94592
| | - Shadi Doroudgar
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, 94592
| | - Kelan Thomas
- Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, CA, 94592
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Pringle G, McDonald MP, Gabriel KI. Patterns and Perceptions of Dextromethorphan Use in Adult Members of an Online Dextromethorphan Community. J Psychoactive Drugs 2015; 47:267-75. [PMID: 26266886 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2015.1071448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a widely available antitussive that has, at elevated dose levels, euphoric and dissociative effects. This article presents the reported patterns and preferences of DXM use, and perceptions of DXM use among adult members of an online DXM community. Analyses were conducted of quantitative and qualitative responses from nine female and 43 male individuals, aged 18-63 years old. All respondents reported illegal and DXM drug use, beginning, on average, at 15.7 and 17.1 years of age, respectively. The majority of respondents first heard about DXM online or from a friend, preferred to use DXM alone, ingested substances concurrently with DXM to modify its effects, had not been to an emergency room or arrested because of their DXM use, and used DXM for its dissociative and mind-altering effects. DXM was perceived as safe and in no need of further regulation with only 14% of respondents mentioning DXM's addictive qualities. Findings from this sample of adult DXM users reveal a sophisticated subculture in which users report using DXM specifically to induce changes to their mental state and use a variety of substances to modify or enhance DXM's effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pringle
- a Department of Psychology , Central Washington University , Ellensburg , WA
| | - Michael P McDonald
- a Department of Psychology , Central Washington University , Ellensburg , WA
| | - Kara I Gabriel
- a Department of Psychology , Central Washington University , Ellensburg , WA
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Chary M, Park EH, McKenzie A, Sun J, Manini AF, Genes N. Signs & symptoms of Dextromethorphan exposure from YouTube. PLoS One 2014; 9:e82452. [PMID: 24533044 PMCID: PMC3922701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed data on the recreational use of drugs are difficult to obtain through traditional means, especially for substances like Dextromethorphan (DXM) which are available over-the-counter for medicinal purposes. In this study, we show that information provided by commenters on YouTube is useful for uncovering the toxicologic effects of DXM. Using methods of computational linguistics, we were able to recreate many of the clinically described signs and symptoms of DXM ingestion at various doses, using information extracted from YouTube comments. Our study shows how social networks can enhance our understanding of recreational drug effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chary
- Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Emily H. Park
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Andrew McKenzie
- Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Julia Sun
- Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alex F. Manini
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Genes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Opioid analgesics and narcotic antagonists. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-62635-6.00008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
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10
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Abstract
Objective: To review dextromethorphan abuse patterns from 2002–2012 and emphasize the pharmacist's role in prevention, education, and sales surveillance. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted through PubMed (2002-November 2012), EMBASE (2002-November 2012), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (2002-November 2012), using the search term dextromethorphan abuse. The Drug Enforcement Administration and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy websites were searched for dextromethorphan abuse and legislative updates. The search was limited to a 10-year period to identify the most current case reports and studies. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The limits used were studies/case reports evaluating humans and published in the English language. Only studies and case reports that assessed dextromethorphan abuse were included in the review. Eight studies and 9 case reports met the inclusion criteria. Data Synthesis: Case reports and studies demonstrate that there are patterns associated with dextromethor phan abuse. A study using data reported to the National Poison Data System identified Coricidin as the most (65.5%) commonly abused dextromethorphan product until 2006; its abuse has decreased since that time (p < 0.0001). The most common abuse effects and toxicities cited in studies and case reports include agitation, confusion, central nervous system depression, tachycardia, hypertension, lethargy, psychosis, hallucinations, mydriasis, dizziness, and cardiotoxicity. One study identified that 96% of samples tested positive for other substances in addition to dextromethorphan. Coingestion of other substances is also common among dextromethorphan abusers. Conclusions: Case reports and studies demonstrate that there are patterns associated with dextromethorphan abuse. It is difficult to identify dextromethorphan as the causative agent of abuse effects because of coingestion of other substances. Studies should examine the pharmacist's role and the association between dextromethorphan sales restrictions and abuse patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Gershman
- JENNIFER A GERSHMAN PharmD CPh, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
| | - Andrea D Fass
- ANDREA D FASS PharmD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University
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Reissig CJ, Carter LP, Johnson MW, Mintzer MZ, Klinedinst MA, Griffiths RR. High doses of dextromethorphan, an NMDA antagonist, produce effects similar to classic hallucinogens. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 223:1-15. [PMID: 22526529 PMCID: PMC3652430 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Although reports of dextromethorphan (DXM) abuse have increased recently, few studies have examined the effects of high doses of DXM. OBJECTIVE This study in humans evaluated the effects of supratherapeutic doses of DXM and triazolam. METHODS Single, acute oral doses of DXM (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 mg/70 kg), triazolam (0.25 and 0.5 mg/70 kg), and placebo were administered to 12 healthy volunteers with histories of hallucinogen use, under double-blind conditions, using an ascending dose run-up design. Subjective, behavioral, and physiological effects were assessed repeatedly after drug administration for 6 h. RESULTS Triazolam produced dose-related increases in subject-rated sedation, observer-rated sedation, and behavioral impairment. DXM produced a profile of dose-related physiological and subjective effects differing from triazolam. DXM effects included increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and emesis; increases in observer-rated effects typical of classic hallucinogens (e.g., distance from reality, visual effects with eyes open and closed, joy, anxiety); and participant ratings of stimulation (e.g., jittery, nervous), somatic effects (e.g., tingling, headache), perceptual changes, end-of-session drug liking, and mystical-type experience. After 400 mg/70 kg DXM, 11 of 12 participants indicated on a pharmacological class questionnaire that they thought they had received a classic hallucinogen (e.g., psilocybin). Drug effects resolved without significant adverse effects by the end of the session. In a 1-month follow-up, volunteers attributed increased spirituality and positive changes in attitudes, moods, and behavior to the session experiences. CONCLUSIONS High doses of DXM produced effects distinct from triazolam and had characteristics that were similar to the classic hallucinogen psilocybin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad J. Reissig
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA, Telephone: 716 228-5243
| | - Lawrence P. Carter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Matthew W. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Miriam Z. Mintzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Margaret A. Klinedinst
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA. Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224-6823, USA
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