How Long Does Dextromethorphan Stay in Your System?

DXM (dextromethorphan) is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicines. It’s a go-to remedy for colds and flu due to its ability to calm persistent coughing. While it’s safe when used correctly, misuse of DMX is a growing concern. Many people—especially teens and adults—use it in large amounts to experience mind-altering effects, leading to dangerous consequences.

This page explores issues like how long does dextromethorphan stay in your system, how it works, its medical uses, and potential side effects. Whether you’re using DXM for a cough or trying to support someone battling misuse, this guide will help you make more informed decisions. 

What Is DXM (dextromethorphan)?

Dextromethorphan, often abbreviated to DXM, is a medication found in many over-the-counter cough suppressants [1]. It works by targeting the part of your brain that causes coughing, helping to provide relief from colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. DXM comes in different forms, such as syrups, tablets, lozenges, and dissolvable strips, making it widely accessible for different needs. 

While DXM is a trusted remedy for temporary cough relief, it’s also known for its misuse. Taken in high doses, it can produce mind-altering effects like euphoria and hallucinations. This has led to DXM being abused, especially among teens who may not understand the risks involved.

Despite its potential for misuse, dextromethorphan is generally safe when used correctly and according to label instructions. 

Dextromethorphan Uses

DXM is widely used to manage coughs caused by colds, the flu, and minor throat irritations. It works by targeting the cough center in the brain, suppressing the urge to cough, and making it easier for people to rest and recover [2]. This is especially beneficial for nighttime relief, as it helps improve sleep quality for those struggling with persistent coughing. 

Beyond its role as a standalone cough suppressant, DXM is often included in combination medications designed to treat a variety of cold and allergy symptoms. These multi-symptom remedies frequently mix DXM with ingredients like antihistamines to reduce sneezing and runny nose, decongestants to clear nasal passages, or pain relievers to ease body aches and fever. This makes DXM a convenient option for addressing multiple discomforts in a single product.

While DXM’s primary use is therapeutic, its potential for psychoactive effects at high doses has made it a target for recreational misuse. At excessive levels, dextromethorphan can cause euphoria, dissociation, and hallucinations. This misuse poses significant risks to physical and mental health, particularly among teens and young adults. When used responsibly, though, dextromethorphan can be an effective tool for relieving coughs and other related symptoms.

Common Medications with Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is found in many popular over-the-counter medications. These include cough syrup, pills, and dissolvable strips. Some of the most commonly recognized products with DXM are: 

• Nyquil and Dayquil: Medications designed for day and night relief from a range of cold symptoms.
• Robitussin DM: A syrup often used for cough and chest congestion relief.
• Mucinex DM: Used for long-lasting relief from coughing and mucus buildup.
• Coricidin HBP: Designed for those with high blood pressure to safely treat colds and coughs.
• Dimetapp DM: A syrup aimed at soothing coughs while addressing sinus issues.
• Vicks Formula 44: Known for its effective cough-suppressing properties. 

Store-brand and generic medications also commonly include DXM. These products are marketed for cold and flu relief, making them easily accessible.

DXM’s availability has its benefits but also presents risks. It’s easy to obtain, even for teens, because it’s widely sold without a prescription. Many medications that contain DXM also include other active ingredients like acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine, which can lead to serious side effects if taken in high doses.

Dextromethorphan Side Effects

When taken as directed, DXM is considered safe and effective. However, even at normal doses, some people may experience mild side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach

When someone takes DXM in higher amounts, the side effects can become much more serious. Recreational misuse often leads to severe symptoms like:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Loss of coordination
• Increased heart rate

Long-term misuse of DXM can cause even greater harm. Over time, people using this medication may experience: 

• Memory problems
• Difficulty focusing
• Mood swings
• Liver damage (especially if combined with acetaminophen)
• Dependence or addiction 

One pressing danger associated with DXM misuse is serotonin syndrome [3]. This condition occurs when DXM is combined with other medications, like certain antidepressants, that affect serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin syndrome can cause symptoms like high fever, muscle rigidity, and seizures, and it can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Beyond this, many DXM products include other ingredients like antihistamines or decongestants. When taken in high doses, these additives can trigger complications like kidney damage, high blood pressure, or severe allergic reactions. 

Developing an awareness of the side effects of DXM, both mild and severe, can help people ensure safe use. If you notice unusual symptoms after taking a medication with DXM, seek medical advice immediately. For those dealing with misuse or dependence, professional help can make a big difference in recovery.

DXM Timelines

Knowing how long dextromethorphan takes to work and how long it stays in the body helps inform safe use and prevents the risks associated with misuse. DXM works relatively quickly, but its duration can vary depending on dosage, metabolism, and other ingredients in the medication.

DXM timelines generally follow distinct stages:

1. When the effects begin.
2. How long do the effects last?
3. How long does the substance remain detectable in the system?

Each stage hinges on individual health, age, and the specific DXM product used. 

By knowing these timelines, individuals can avoid overdosing or unintentionally overlapping doses. Additionally, this information can help anyone who may be concerned about DXM misuse or its detection in drug screenings.

How Long For DXM To Kick In?

After taking a dose of DXM, the effects typically begin within 60 minutes. This rapid onset makes DXM effective for quickly suppressing a cough. The exact time can vary according to variables such as:

• Form of the medication: Liquid forms work faster than tablets or capsules because they are absorbed more quickly by the body.
• Food in the stomach: Taking DXM on an empty stomach may lead to faster absorption, while a full meal can slow it down.
• Dosage: Higher doses of DXM may take slightly longer to process before the effects are felt. 

For most people, the initial relief of symptoms is noticeable within the first hour. Those misusing DXM to achieve psychoactive effects may also notice symptoms like mild euphoria or drowsiness within this timeframe. 

The speed at which DXM works makes it convenient as a fast-acting cough remedy, but also contributes to the risks of misuse, as people may seek stronger or faster effects by taking higher doses. 

How Long Do the Effects of Dextromethorphan Last?

DXM effects normally last for 3 to 6 hours after a standard dose. This timeframe is influenced by the dosage and individual metabolism. Here’s a general breakdown of how DXM affects the body over time:

• First hour: The medication starts working and the person may feel relief from coughing or mild drowsiness.
• 2 to 4 hours after dose: This is when the effects are at their strongest. Misuse at this stage can result in symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, or loss of coordination.
• 5 to 6 hours: The effects begin to fade as the medication is processed by the liver and excreted from the body. 

For those taking higher doses recreationally, the effects can last longer, especially if multiple doses are taken. Misuse can cause the body to metabolize DXM more slowly, prolonging its impact. 

DXM misuse is known to occur over several plateaus [4]: 

• Low dose: Mimics mild alcohol intoxication, with relaxation and euphoria.
• Moderate dose: Causes dissociation and motor impairment.
• High dose: Leads to intense hallucinations and potentially dangerous side effects. This form of DXM misuse is often known as robotripping [5].

While DXM’s intended effects wear off after a few hours, some people may experience lingering symptoms like dizziness or confusion, especially if they’ve taken a large amount of dextromethorphan. 

How Long Does Dextromethorphan Stay in the System?

Dextromethorphan usually remains in the body for 1 to 2 days after use, but this can differ based on several factors. The key to understanding how long DXM stays in your system lies in its half-life—the time it takes for 50% of the drug to be cleared from the body. For DXM, the half-life is about 3 to 4 hours. Complete elimination takes up to 5 half-lives and is contingent on factors such as: 

• Dosage: Higher doses take more time for the body to metabolize.
• Frequency of use: Chronic misuse can lead to DXM building up in the body, increasing the time it takes to clear.
• Individual factors: Age, weight, metabolism, and liver health all play a part in how quickly DXM is processed.
• Drug interactions: Some medications can slow down or speed up the body’s ability to eliminate DXM.

 DXM can be detected for varying lengths of time, depending on the type of drug test used:

• Urine: DXM can be detected in urine for up to 48 hours after use. In some cases, it may show up as PCP, leading to false-positive results [6].
• Blood: DXM is detectable in blood for 3 to 24 hours after the last dose.
• Saliva: Most saliva tests do not include DXM, but it is detectable for a short time if specifically tested.
• Hair: Like many substances, DXM can be detected in hair for 90 days, although this test is uncommon for DXM.

The exact duration depends on individual metabolism and the type of drug test used. For individuals misusing DXM, the extended detection window can increase the risk of complications and require professional intervention to initiate recovery.

Like all addictions, DXM addiction is a chronic condition that tends to get worse unless treated. With the right array of evidence-based therapies and professional help, it’s possible to break dependence on cough syrups like DXM and begin long-term recovery. 

Different Medication Durations | FAQs

How many days does Coricidin HBP Stay in the System?

Coricidin HBP, containing dextromethorphan, generally stays in the system for 1 to 2 days. The exact time depends on factors like dosage, metabolism, and frequency of use. DXM in Coricidin HBP has a half-life of about 3 to 4 hours, meaning half of the drug is cleared within this time—it takes about 5 elimination half removed for all of a drug to be eliminated.

How many days does Mucinex DM Stay in the System

Mucinex DM, which combines dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, usually stays in the system for 1 to 2 days. The dextromethorphan in Mucinex DM is processed within 6 to 8 hours, while guaifenesin clears slightly faster. Factors like liver health and metabolism can affect the timeline. 

How Many Hours Does Nyquil Last?

The effects of Nyquil last 4 to 6 hours, providing symptom relief for cold and flu. Ingredients like DXM and doxylamine may remain in the system for 1 to 2 days, depending on your metabolism. Be cautious of drowsiness, as it’s a common side effect that can linger longer than other effects. 

How Many Hours Does Dayquil Last?

Dayquil’s symptom-relieving effects generally last 4 to 6 hours. Dextromethorphan in Dayquil is metabolized within 6 to 8 hours, but its full clearance can take 1 to 2 days. Unlike Nyquil, Dayquil is non-drowsy, allowing daytime use without affecting alertness. 

Get Compassionate and Effective Treatment for Cold Medication Addiction at Renaissance Recovery

If you have been misusing OTC or prescription medications, we can help you begin long-term recovery at Renaissance. 

We treat addictions in an outpatient setting at our rehab centers in Florida and California. You can live at home and fulfill your daily obligations while attending weekday therapy sessions at one of our beachside facilities. 

The unique aspect of every substance use disorder means treatment plans at Renaissance are personalized to reflect this. Therapies may include:

• Motivational therapies
• Counseling
• Behavioral therapies
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Aftercare 

Start tackling substance misuse by calling 866-330-9449. 

Sources 

[1] https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/DXM-2020.pdf 

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/dextromethorphan 

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8721327/ 

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4216279/

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27288091/ 

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23697457/