Misuse of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medications among Persons Aged 12 to 25. The NSDUH Report

摘要

The cough suppressant dextrometh-orphan (DXM) is found in more than 140 cough and cold medications that are available without a prescription (i.e., over-the-counter, or OTC) in the United States and is generally safe when taken at the recommended doses. When taken in large amounts, however, DXM can produce hallucinations or dissociative, out-of-body experiences similar to those caused by the hallucinogens phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine and can cause other adverse health effects. Abuse of DXM among American youths aged 12 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 25 has become a matter of concern in a number of States and metropolitan areas due to increased poison control calls involving DXM. The 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) asks persons aged 12 or older questions related to their use of OTC cough or cold medications during their lifetime (lifetime or ever used) and the past 12 months (past year use) for the purpose of getting high (misuse).