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Cough medicines can be very dangerous. Anyone of any age can purchase over the counter cough medicines from the local drug store or even grocery store. Dextromethorphan or DXM is a semisynthetic narcotic related to opium and it is found in many over the counter cough medicines. DXM keeps the body numb from coughing. However, DXM can be addictive and habit forming.

As you consume cough medicines, your body builds up a tolerance or immunity to the cough medicine. Thus, you need to use the cough medicine more frequently to obtain relief. Coughs are meant for expelling mucus from the respiratory system. Suppressing a cough can increase your chances of developing bronchitis, sinusitis or an upper respiratory infection requiring medical assistance including bacterial antibiotics.

Cough medicines containing DXM are being purchased by teens and others for substance abuse. Taken in large quantities, cough medicines with DXM are giving abusers a "high". Some of the cough medicines with DXM are Corcidin, Robitussin, Vicks Formula 44, and Drixoral. Taken in large doses these cough medicines cause hallucinations, heightened perceptual awareness, euphoria and mania. Because it is a legal drug and seems safer then other drugs such as crack cocaine or marijuana, cough medicines have been on the rise for abuse by both teens and adults.

Cough medicines do not have a legal age or quantity to purchase. The liquid cough medicines are sold over the counter with no regard to quantity sold. Since the cough medicines do not have restrictions and are reasonably affordable, they have the potential for extreme over use to obtain recreational highs.

Cough medicine use needs to be monitored. You do not want to suppress a cough because it is typically a sign of an illness that is either onsetting or present in the body that needs medical attention. In addition, cough medicine can become addictive without your being aware of it. Proceed with caution when using cough medicine.

Learn more about this author, Joyce Priddy.
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