Two commonly misused cough medicines include Dextromethorphan (DXM) cough syrups and Promethazine-codeine cough syrups. DXM, a non-narcotic cough suppressant, can produce a high or dissociation (i.e. an out-of-body sensation) when ingested in large amounts.

In fact, the effects of DXM abuse have been compared to those of highly addictive hallucinogenic drugs such as PCP and ketamine. Codeine is an opioid drug that, when taken in higher than recommended doses, also produces a high and can be very addictive.

Since the 1950s, DXM has gradually replaced codeine as the most widely used cough suppressant in the United States. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) December 2016 Monitoring the Future survey, approximately one in thirty teens admit to drinking OTC cough syrup to get high.

In response to this trend, many states have implemented laws prohibiting the sale of cough syrups to minors.

Because cough syrups are accessible and affordable, teens can easily obtain and misuse these substances. When cough syrups are taken in excess, they have the potential to become habit-forming and addictive.

Teens may drink cough syrups containing DXM to get high, a practice referred to as “robotripping,” “dexing” or “skittling.” Another dangerous trend among teens is mixing cough syrups containing codeine with soda and hard candy. This mixture is referred to as “sizzurp” or “purple drank.”