Table of Contents
What is Robotripping?
Dextromethorphan is available as an over-the-counter formulation that can temporarily alleviate coughing triggered by flu, colds, or other ailments. DMX belongs to a class of medications called antitussives.
DXM is available by itself and in combination products with medications like decongestants and antihistamines. While the synthetic substance DXM is related to opioids, it does not cause analgesia, and it has minimal sedating effect.
When taken in high doses, the effects of dextromethorphan abuse are similar to the effects of ketamine and PCP (phencyclidine). Indeed, a slang term for DXM is poor man’s PCP. As a result, people, particularly young adults and teens, abuse dextromethorphan for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects.
As a parent, understanding the risks and warning signs of DXM abuse can help you recognize if your child might be experimenting with this substance and take action before it escalates.
The misuse or abuse of DXM goes by many names, including:
- Robotripping
- Skittling
- Dexing
According to this DXM factsheet published by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the most abused products associated with robotripping are:
- Robitussin
- Coricidin
Both of these are over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.
The DEA states that four different plateaus or levels can occur during a robotrip:
- First plateau: Doses of DXM from 100mg to 200mg induce mild stimulation.
- Second plateau: At doses between 200mg and 400mg, you will experience euphoria and/or auditory and visual hallucinations.
- Third plateau: DXM doses between 300mg and 600mg can distort visual perceptions and cause problems with motor coordination.
- Fourth plateau: The highest DXM plateau occurs at doses from 500mg to 1,500mg. DXM doses this high can bring about dissociative sedation.
The abuse of DXM for these recreational effects, known as robotripping, comes with some dangers that we’ll highlight below.
Research shows that the effects of taking high doses of DXM take effect after 30 to 60 minutes, peaking between two and four hours. Your BMI and the dose of DXM will influence the speed at which it kicks in.
Robotripping effects typically wear off after around six hours. The following variables can impact the duration of effects:
- Dose of DXM
- Your size and weight
- Other active ingredients
- Amount of food in your stomach
Robotripping Symptoms
The physical effects induced by DXM abuse vary according to the individual and the dose, as well as the type of DXM – some DXM products contain various active ingredients, all producing their own effects.
Potential side effects of robotripping include:
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
- Sweating
- Itching
- Rash
- Increased body temperature
- Slurred speech
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Hyperactivity
- Slow breathing
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Unconsciousness
- Involuntary eye movements
- Seizure
- Overdose
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The Dangers of DXM and Robotripping
Substance abuse among young adults and teens often involves the misuse of over-the-counter medications like DXM, posing serious health risks, especially for frequent dextromethorphan users. If you suspect your child is robotripping, it’s crucial to understand the potential dangers associated with this risky form of recreational drug use.
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Increased risk of overdose and toxicity in some people
- Can cause respiratory depression
- Possibility of liver damage
- Heatstroke
1) Engaging in risky behaviors
Taken in high doses, DXM is linked with dangerous behaviors stemming from agitation, hallucinations, and psychosis.
If your child is robotripping, the dissociative effects of DXM can cause them to lose touch with reality, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors they would normally avoid.
Research has linked DXM misuse to serious outcomes, including assault, homicide, and even suicide.
2) Increased risk of overdose and toxicity in some people
According to DEA reports, between 5% and 10% of Caucasians struggle to efficiently metabolize DXM. For this population, it takes longer for DXM to leave the system, heightening the risk of fatal overdose.
3) Can cause respiratory depression
As a CNS depressant, DXM depresses the central nervous system. If large doses of DXM prevent the lungs from exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen, this can trigger respiratory depression. When untreated, the resultant slow and shallow breathing can cause respiratory arrest, with deadly consequences.
4) Possibility of liver damage
Many OTC medications containing DXM also contain acetaminophen. This can cause serious liver damage, possibly fatal when consumed in large doses.
5) Heatstroke
DXM has been associated with heat stroke and other heat emergencies due to how the medication disrupts your body’s temperature regulation.
If your child takes DXM with other substances, whether OTC medications, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, this can provoke serious interactions.
How Long Does DMX Take to Kick In?
DXM can start to take effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. This varies depending on metabolism, dosage, and formulation.
DXM in different forms typically follows this timeline:
- DXM Syrup or Liquid: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- DXM Pills or Gel Capsules: Around 1 to 2 hours.
- Extended-Release Formulations: Up to 2 to 4 hours.
Dextromethorphan Overdose
DXM overdose can occur at high doses following misuse. When more than the recommended dosage is taken, several intense effects can occur:
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Impaired mobility
- Elevated heart rate
- Seizures
If your child or loved one is exhibiting DMX overdose symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
How to Stop Robotripping
If you’re concerned that your child may be robotripping or struggling with a cough syrup addiction, our team at Renaissance Recovery is here to help. DXM withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and require professional support.
Robotripping FAQs
What does robotripping mean?
Robotripping refers to the recreational use of cold and cough medicines containing DXM to achieve dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.
How long does it take for DXM to kick in?
DXM generally takes 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, with peak intensity at 2 to 3 hours.
How long does a DXM trip last?
Robotripping effects can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on dose and metabolism.
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Stop DXM Addiction at Renaissance Recovery
While DXM is legally available, its misuse can lead to serious and lasting effects. At Renaissance Recovery, we specialize in outpatient addiction treatment, including IOP, PHP, and dual diagnosis care.
Our evidence-based treatments include medication-assisted treatment, counseling, family therapy, and psychotherapy like CBT and DBT.
To take the first step, contact admissions at 866-330-9449.
Sources
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/dextro_m.pdf
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/dextro_m.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21193552/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652430/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22537430/
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
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