Side Effects
There are certain side effects that are fairly common with therapeutic use of dextromethorphan, whether it is taken alone or in combination with other medications. These include nausea, dizziness, an upset stomach and drowsiness. Although these side effects can be unpleasant, they are rarely serious enough to warrant discontinuation of dextromethorphan and are absent in many people. More serious side effects can be caused by an allergic reaction to dextromethorphan and can include hives, chest tightness and difficulty breathing, as well as swelling of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Drug Interactions
Although dextromethorphan does not affect the nervous system when used at normal therapeutic doses, it can have increased effects when used with other medications. The primary concern is its ability to cause drowsiness and its ability to impair mental and physical abilities under certain conditions. These effects can be heightened by alcohol and other medications that cause depression of the central nervous system, including narcotics, sedatives and tranquilizers. Another danger of dextromethorphan is that it can have an adverse reaction with a class of drug known as an MAOI, which is commonly used for high blood pressure. Dextromethorphan when taken with these drugs can lead to a high fever, extremely low blood pressure and possible death.
Recreational Use
Dextromethorphan can be taken at very high doses for recreational purposes. Recreational users of dextromethorphan report four different levels of effects depending on how much dextromethorphan has been taken. The first level (with the smallest dose) is mild stimulation. The second level is euphoria and hallucinations. Level three involves distortion of the senses and loss of coordination of the muscles. The final level is dissociative sedation. Aside from the normal psychological and sociological problems that often come with recreational drug use, dextromethrophan generally is sold along with other compounds, such as acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine. These medications, when taken in the high doses associated with dextromethorphan abuse, can be toxic to the liver and other organs.
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