Daily HealthBeat Tip

High on cough medicine

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

The latest in what the world is coming to: Teens taking cough and cold medicine for a high.

These over-the-counter medications contain dextromethorphan � DXM � which, taken as the label directions say, can ease a cough. They're easy to get and legal to buy. But large amounts can cause hallucinations, as well as blurred vision, loss of coordination, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, emergency department visits and hospitalization.

At HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration � SAMHSA � Dr. Westley Clark:

"If parents are finding themselves buying a lot of cough medicine, then they need to recognize that someone in the house is misusing." (eight seconds)

Clark says these cough syrups also can contain alcohol, which can lead to dependence.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: December 22, 2006

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