Cough syrup as an intoxicant
Many antirritant cough syrups contain active ingredients that are psychoactive in high doses and can be abused as intoxicants. Substances include, for example:
- Opioids such as codeine, dihydrocodeine and ethylmorphine.
- NMDA antagonists: dextromethorphan
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and oxomemazine.
- Phenothiazines: promethazine (out of commerce).
Such drugs are unlike other drugs legal, inexpensive and of good pharmaceutical quality. In a misuse are from our experience mainly experimenting young people and partly also drug addicts interested. Due to the possible adverse effects, acute toxicity and the risk of developing a dependence, abuse is strongly discouraged. In addition, the combination with alcohol and centrally depressant drugs is problematic, because these increase the undesirable effects. In 2019, most cough medicines with critical active ingredients became prescription-only in many countries. Dispensing in pharmacies is now only possible after a consultation and documentation; see dispensing categories.
