Montreal public health authorities are alerting parents and teens about the dangers of abusing dextromethorphan-laced cough syrups, which are increasingly targeted at young people seeking a cheap high, potentially leading to severe health risks and even death.

Public Health Alert Targets Teen Cough Syrup Abuse

Montreal's public health officials have issued a stark warning to parents, schools, and teenagers about a dangerous trend: the abuse of over-the-counter cough syrups containing dextromethorphan, or DXM. These products, commonly found on store shelves, are meant to suppress coughs when used as directed, but teens are misusing them to get high. The concern is growing as more young people turn to these easily accessible items for recreational purposes. Health experts emphasize that while small doses are safe, large amounts can trigger life-threatening effects. This alert comes amid reports of rising incidents among adolescents in the city, prompting urgent calls for awareness and prevention.

DXM has been a staple in cough remedies since the 1950s, approved for safe use in recommended quantities like 10 to 20 milligrams every few hours. However, abusers are consuming hundreds of milligrams at once, often by chugging entire bottles or using concentrated forms like pills and powders bought online. This shift has made it easier for teens to bypass the vomiting that once deterred excessive syrup intake. Public health teams are particularly worried because these products are cheap, legal, and don't require a prescription, making them appealing to curious youth experimenting with substances.

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Everyday Remedies

The effects of DXM abuse can be devastating, mimicking stronger illicit drugs. Users often experience nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and loss of coordination right away. More severe reactions include hallucinations, paranoia, seizures, and high blood pressure. In extreme cases, regular high-dose use leads to toxic psychosis, where individuals lose touch with reality and remain in a confused, disoriented state. Health officials note that snorting or extracting pure DXM intensifies these risks, sometimes resulting in fatal outcomes like respiratory failure or heart complications. Teens might feel invincible or euphoric at first, but the "killer" potential is real, especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

"We're seeing more cases of young people ending up in emergency rooms after abusing cough syrup, and it's heartbreaking because these are products parents trust in their medicine cabinets. We urge families to talk openly about the risks and monitor what's available at home," said Dr. Marie Lefebvre, a spokesperson for Montreal Public Health.

Promethazine with codeine combinations, once a focus of concern, now require prescriptions, but DXM has filled the gap as an accessible alternative. Online forums and shady websites even provide guides on dosing for hallucinogenic trips, glamorizing what is essentially poisoning oneself. Public health campaigns aim to educate on recognizing signs like slurred speech, erratic behavior, or sudden hyperactivity in teens. Schools are being encouraged to incorporate substance abuse talks into their programs, highlighting how what starts as a dare can spiral into addiction or tragedy.

Steps for Prevention and Community Response

To combat this threat, Montreal public health is rolling out initiatives like informational sessions for parents and peer-led workshops in high schools. They recommend securing medications, discussing peer pressure openly, and watching for unusual purchases of cough products. Pharmacies are posting warning signs and limiting sales to minors where possible. Community centers offer counseling for at-risk youth, stressing that help is available without judgment. Experts advise that early intervention is key; symptoms of abuse should prompt immediate medical attention rather than punishment.

This issue isn't new—cough syrup misuse has persisted for decades—but the internet age has amplified it, making pure DXM easier to obtain. Health authorities are collaborating with police to monitor online sales and educate sellers. Parents are urged to check labels on any cough remedies at home and dispose of extras safely. By fostering dialogue and vigilance, the community can protect the next generation from this deceptive danger disguised as medicine.

In summary, Montreal public health's warning underscores the lethal risks of DXM cough syrup abuse among teens, from immediate side effects to long-term psychosis. Awareness, secure storage, and open conversations are vital to preventing these tragedies.

• Tags
• #Health
• #Safety
• #Teens