09/21/2026
🚨 WHY DOES COUGH MEDICINE NEED TO BE LOCKED UP?
Take a close look at this photo. This is an over-the-counter medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM) — sitting behind a lock.
That should get our attention.
DXM is a legitimate cough suppressant when taken as directed, but it also has a history of intentional misuse, particularly among adolescents. In high doses, DXM can produce euphoria, depressant effects, hallucinations, distorted perception, confusion and significant impairment.
Some agencies identifies DXM as a “drug of concern” (when used in high doses) and notes street terms including CCC, Triple C, Dex, Robo and Skittling.
And look at the accessibility: this isn’t an illicit substance being sold on a street corner. It’s an inexpensive, legal product found in pharmacies, grocery stores, airports, discount stores and medicine cabinets across America. Basically, I find this substance during every scan in every state!
The fact that some retailers are now putting these products behind locks, inside hard security cases or attaching alarm devices is an important environmental clue. Theft prevention can have multiple motivations, but DXM-containing products are also known to be intentionally misused.
🚩 HIGH-DOSE DXM MISUSE MAY LOOK LIKE:
• Hallucinations or distorted perception
• Confusion or disorientation
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination or staggering
• Agitation or unusual excitement
• Euphoria
• Paranoia
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased blood pressure
• Involuntary eye movements
• Extreme drowsiness or lethargy
Parents, educators and prevention professionals: start looking at the ACTIVE INGREDIENTS — not just the brand name.
If you see DEXTROMETHORPHAN or DXM, know what it is and understand why it can be misused.
Legal does NOT always mean safe
You Can’t Stop What You Don’t Know!
