Moreover, the after-effects of using DXM, often termed the ‘comedown,’ can include feelings of lethargy, disorientation, and depression. Unlike other abused drugs, Triple C users need to take several tablets at the same time to get high. People can become addicted to Triple C and other DXM-containing medications. However, at high doses, it can cause hallucinations, mania, psychosis, and other effects similar to ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP). Abusing DXM can also lead to an addiction, which greatly increases the risk of overdose. Be sure to closely monitor your teen’s internet access because DXM medications are often sold online.
Effects of the Triple C’s
- Often it may be necessary for the person to enter a drug addiction treatment program.
- The excessive intake of DXM, in particular, leads to its dissociative effects, making users feel disconnected from reality and potentially inducing hallucinations.
- Younger children should not use this medication unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
- Detoxification is the first step in treatment, and it involves removing the toxins from the body.
- Another term for misusing DXM is “robo-tripping,” which involves the name-brand cold and cough medicine Robitussin®.
- Because triple C/dextromethorphan does not display on drug tests, it is critical to be open and honest about frequency and quantity of use.
Dextromethorphan (DXM), one of the main ingredients, comes with serious health risks when taken in high doses. While Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold is legal, its DXM content makes it susceptible to abuse, producing effects akin to those of PCP and ketamine at high doses. Users seeking hallucinogenic and dissociative experiences may consume far beyond the recommended dosage, experiencing effects that can last up to six hours. While high on DXM, people may lose control of their muscles and movements–and they can even lose consciousness.
Stress Addiction
Triple C’s addiction, also known as dextromethorphan (DXM) abuse, is a concerning issue among teenagers and young adults. DXM is a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. While it is safe when used as directed, individuals may abuse Triple C’s to experience hallucinogenic effects and to achieve a sense of euphoria. This can lead to serious health consequences, including liver damage, respiratory issues, and cognitive impairment. A cold and flu medicine with potential for abuse, sometimes called “Triple C’s,” has gained attention recently, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Triple C’s stands for Coricidin® HBP Cough & Cold, a brand of over-the-counter medication.
Why Do People Abuse Triple C’s?
People take this drug to get temporary relief from cough, runny nose, sneezing, or when they are suffering from the common cold, allergies, and other respiratory issues. The active ingredient of Coricidin Cough & Cold is dextromethorphan or DXM. DXM is an opioid, but instead of pain relief, the drug affects the brain to make a person stop coughing. Long-term abuse can lead to chronic health issues, including liver damage, permanent brain damage, and severe psychological disorders like depression and anxiety. The development of tolerance is another significant concern, as it leads users to consume increasingly higher doses, thereby escalating the risk of an overdose and long-term harm.
This can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to overdose and life-threatening complications. It is crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of Triple C’s abuse and promote responsible use of over-the-counter medications. Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold and its generic forms are usually safe and effective when used as directed. But in high doses, its active ingredient, dextromethorphan (DXM), can be dangerous and cause dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. DXM is found in over 120 over-the-counter cold medications and cough syrups, and is sometimes mixed with acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, or guaifenesin).
What Are The Effects of Triple C Drugs?
You can also enforce preventive measures such as safeguarding your medicine cabinets and monitoring your child’s internet access to identify online orders made. The good news is that some U.S. states have taken legislative measures to regulate the use and sale of pharmaceutical products containing DXM to people under the age of 18. However, this poses a risk for patients with high blood pressure, which is where Coricidin HBP comes into play. Typical nasal decongestants for cold and flu work by causing blood vessels in the nasal passages to constrict—hence reducing inflammation due to dilation of vessels. There are several Coricidin products that contain Dextromethorphan, including Delsym, Robitussin, 12-Hour Cough Relief, Vicks DayQuil Cough, Mucinex, Tylenol, Sudafed, and Theraflu.
He or she will likely lie, but it’s a good idea to offer support, to offer help, and to firmly share that you want the best for them, and that means being healthy. Often it may be necessary for the person to enter a drug addiction treatment program. If the addict is a teen, there are also treatment centers designed for teens and youth.
Individuals sometimes abuse multiple substances and require a medical detox treatment plan to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure greater safety. Others begin their recovery journey with an outpatient program, and some immediately opt for an inpatient treatment program. Since this over-the-counter medication is so accessible at drug stores, overcoming addiction can be challenging. Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that in 2022, millions were misusing cough and cold medicines. Triple C is the street name given to Coricidin Cough & Cold, an over-the-counter medication sold as a decongestant and cough suppressant.
Gaining these euphoric effects is the reason why people use Triple C’s recreationally. Coricidin products may contain medications other than dextromethorphan that can cause health problems. One example is acetaminophen, an ingredient that can cause liver damage in high doses. The medicine is typically safe and effective when people take 10 to 30 milligrams every six hours.
When purchased illegally in powder form, DXM triple cs drug may be combined with methamphetamine or other drugs, which increases serious risks such as fatal overdose. If you or a loved one abuse over-the-counter drugs like DXM or Triple C’s, help is available. You might believe that Triple C abuse is safe because you can buy them without a prescription, however, this is not the case.
- If your teen abuses Triple C’s, they have to consume high doses to experience mood-and-mind-altering effects, placing them at significant risk of experiencing an overdose.
- Triple C offers a high through its main active ingredient, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan.
- This cough suppressant and decongestant can be purchased without a prescription and even sourced online.
- The drug is safe and effective against a runny nose, congestion, fever, sneezing and coughing in recommended doses.
- The medication contains dextromethorphan, or DXM, which is commonly abused by young people seeking a cheap, accessible high.
- Since triple c’s are sold in stores without a prescription, young people often view them as a safer, cheaper alternative to illicit street drugs.
One of the most alarming consequences of Triple C’s misuse is its impact on the cardiovascular system. The primary active ingredient, dextromethorphan (DXM), can elevate heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels. It can lead to palpitations, arrhythmias, and, in extreme cases, even heart attacks. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions are at heightened risk when abusing Triple Cs.
Although 15 states have banned the sale of dextromethorphan products to minors, teens continue to misuse the drugs for their hallucinogenic effects. To prevent your child from abusing triple C, it is important to understand the dangers of DXM medicines. Like any physical health issue, mental health issues require insurance coverage. As addiction is increasingly accepted as a disease, more and more insurance providers have become willing to cover services in the addiction treatment field.
Outpatient rehab is a less intensive form of treatment compared to inpatient rehab. It allows individuals to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities, such as work or school, while attending treatment sessions. Outpatient programs offer flexibility and are often used as a step-down from inpatient treatment or as an entry point for those with less severe addictions. This addiction cycle is characterized by an overwhelming desire to use the drug, difficulties in controlling its use and persisting in its use despite knowing the risks.
Long-term, Triple C abuse can also contribute to kidney stones, permanent brain damage, and liver or kidney failure. The user is unlikely to feel or sense their body and will instead experience only hallucinations. It can be reached at doses of 7.5mg per kg of body weight and up, depending on metabolism. Most dextromethorphan medications have an average of six hours of active time. The active ingredients in Coricidin HBP typically have a relatively short half-life and should be eliminated from your system within a few days.
Others may obtain DXM in powder form illicitly, and the powder may be ingested, snorted, or injected intravenously. In a 2023 case study, a 19-year-old consumed 111 tablets of DXM, resulting in shock and convulsions. This situation involved mental health concerns, showcasing the importance of a dual diagnosis assessment.
At the third “plateau”, most users are prone to experiencing altered consciousness, and heavy hallucinations. Depending on body weight, plateau 3 is reachable at 7.5 mg per kg of body weight and up. It’s critical to get expert assistance as soon as possible if you or someone you know is battling Triple C addiction. Many addiction treatment options are available, and the best course of action will vary depending on the individual. Many treatment options are available for Triple C addiction, and the best course of action will vary depending on the individual. However, some common methods of treatment include detoxification and rehabilitation.