Observations placeholder
Coricidin abuse
Identifier
002113
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Coricidin, Coricidin 'D' (decongestant),, is the name of a drug that contains both dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine maleate. Some versions of Coricidin may also contain acetaminophen and guaifenesin (an expectorant). It is marketed as a cough suppressant, but is widely ‘abused’ and has caused deaths………….
A description of the experience
Coricidin HBP abuse: patient characteristics and psychiatric manifestations as recorded in an inpatient psychiatric unit - Dickerson DL, Schaepper MA Peterson MD, Ashworth MD. Loma Linda University Medical Center 11374 Mountain View Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
Coricidin HBP, a cold medication containing dextromethorphan, has become a popular agent abused among adolescents. This retrospective chart review examines the potential psychiatric manifestations of Coricidin HBP misuse and patterns of use among patients treated in an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric unit. Coricidin HBP use was documented in 47 patients. The data revealed that Coricidin HBP use was associated with:
- predominantly depressive symptomatology;
- transient substance-induced psychosis;
- cardiac toxicity; and
- greater quantities used per episode by Caucasians.
Clinicians treating adolescents need to be aware of the abuse potential and psychiatric manifestations of this dextromethorphan-containing product.