Government Trying to Crack Down on Robotripping

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - Government officials are looking to crack down on "Robotripping" among teens by curbing over-the-counter sales of cough medicines.

Food and Drug Administration officials later this month will meet with a panel of experts to consider options for reducing abuse of DXM (dextromethorphan), which according to a new FDA report, caused 8,000 hospitalizations in 2008.

The FDA could require a prescription to purchase the drug, move sales of the medicines behind the counter, or banning purchases by those under the age of 18.

Dextromethorphan is the main ingredient in many popular nonprescription cold drugs, including Robitussin Cough & Chest Congestion, Tylenol Cough & Sore Throat and Vicks NyQuil.

Teens chug the drug ’ typically in syrup form ’ at hundreds of times the recommended dosage, in a process have dubbed Robotripping, dex, tussin, triple C's, skittles and red devils, the Justice Department stated.

When taken in excess, users of DXM experience euphoric sensations that can include hallucinations. Side effects include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, vomiting, fainting and liver damage caused by other ingredients added to cough and cold products.

Adolescents abuse the drug because it is inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain, according to the Justice Department.

Abuse of the drug has increased in recent years. Reports of hospital trips due to DXM abuse have risen 70 percent in the past four years, the FDA reports.

Recreational use of DXM has also spilled into popular culture. Hip-hop star Lil Wayne extols the virtues of the drug in his rap lyrics.