| 
| 
|
This is a quick question-and-answer section about DXM which avoids most of the technical detail of the full FAQ sections. However, since DXM is a complex drug, you are advised to read the appropriate sections in the full FAQ.
DXM, or dextromethorphan, is a cough suppressant drug found in cough syrups
and cough medicines. It can be used recreationally, but there are risks.
Yes, if you choose the right kind; if you pick the wrong kind, you can end
up dead. And you may not like the "high" you get; some people love it,
others hate it.
Basically, anything containing ONLY dextromethorphan hydrobromide
(DXM HBr). Popular US brands include Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough
(and generic equivalents), Drixoral Cough Liquid Caps (the red kind),
and generic equivalents.
If it has gauifenesin (Robitussin DM and generic "DM" syrups have this
drug), you'll probably puke your guts up. If it has acetaminophen
(paracetamol), you stand a good chance of a painful, prolonged death.
Anything else, you're likely to ruin the trip and may end up in the
hospital.
Quick answer: it depends. Don't take DXM if you are taking any of the
following other drugs:
Well, that depends on how much you take. There are four different kinds
of experiences, based on the dosage; these are called plateaus.
The first plateau is a mild stimulant effect with a little bit of a
buzz, and has been compared to MDA. The second plateau is more
intoxicating and has been compared to being drunk and stoned at the same
time. The third plateau is dissociative, like a lower dose of ketamine.
The fourth plateau is fully dissociative like a higher dose of ketamine.
You should not attempt higher plateau doses unless you have someone with you who can take care of you in case you get sick or freak out. It happens on DXM. Many things can happen unexpectedly on upper plateaus, such as spontaneous memory recall, complex delusions, hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and perceived contact with spiritual or alien entities. You need to be pretty stable and grounded before you can handle these things.
See the full FAQ; it's complicated and depends on your body weight;
furthermore, some people can't handle DXM due to a genetic mutation in
an important enzyme. So you always want to do a low dose on your
first trip, and then increase gradually with each new trip.
No. It's more like ketamine or PCP, but not much like them either.
Some people think so; others point out that while the lower two dosage
plateaus are more recreational or fun, the upper two seem to be more
suited for self-exploration and shamanic work.
Yes, especially if you take too much. Some of the more important dangers
you might want to know about are:
That's up to you. Most people in our culture seem to shun the idea of
taking real risks, whether it be through drugs or high-risk sports such as
mountain climbing and hang gliding. On the other hand, when someone goes
and climbs a mountain without adequate equipment and training, and then
falls to her death, nobody goes and blames the mountain.
There are many people who believe that the risks of DXM (or other drugs) are worth the rewards. If you are a legal adult and are willing to take responsibility for your actions, in my opinion you should be permitted to experiment with psychedelics to your heart's content.
|
|
|
|