DISCLAIMER:
If you are reading this, presumably you are thinking about using DXM
(dextromethorphan) recreationally, or at least interested about its use.
This document is intended as a brief overview of the drug, its effects, how
it is available in pure forms (that don't contain other, possibly deadly,
drugs) legally in the US (and, many other countries.) This document does NOT
deal with all the risks. For those, you'll have to read The DXM FAQ, and the
long list of them. DXM is a fairly high risk drug, and can be fatal if used
with other drugs, and it can also be fatal or dangerous if you have certain
medical conditions. You need to make sure you are NOT in one of those
groups. This document assumes that you have already determined that you aren
't in a high risk group, or if you are and still planning on using, that you
assume responsibility for the great peril you face. All these dangers can be
found in William White's "The DXM FAQ" at
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/dxm/faq/dxm_faq.shtml. William White's DXM
FAQ is an extremely well written piece of work, and you will find all the
risks, and a lot more else, there. This document is just a brief overview of
DXM used recreationally. The DXM FAQ has just about everything you could
want to know about DXM, and likely more. Also, I do NOT mean to suggest or
recommend that anyone attempt recreational usage of DXM. In fact, I honestly
feel that most would do well to avoid such use of DXM. If you do, of your
own free will, choose to use DXM recreationally, you are responsible for
checking whether or not such use is legal in whatever jurisdiction you are
in.
What is DXM?
DXM is in a class of drugs known as dissociative anaesthetics. Many of these
have powerful psychedelic effects at sufficiently high doses.
Coincidentally, DXM also suppresses the cough reflex. This is WHY a powerful
psychedelic is sold legally OTC in pharmacies and grocery stores throughout
the US, and many foreign countries. About the only reason why I can see DXM
isn't a prescription controlled substance is that the only real alternative
drugs for cough suppression are the opiates/opioids. THOSE have a much
greater abuse potential, and government regulators took the lesser of 2
evils. Unlike opiates, relatively few find DXM appealing recreationally.
According to William White's data, 1/3 of all who ever try DXM
recreationally HATE the effects, 1/3 are indifferent and feel there are
better drugs to have fun with, and only 1/3 actually enjoy DXM enough to use
it repeatedly. There are at least several reasons for this. One is that
about 7% of all Caucasians (the rate varies with other ethnic groups) have a
genetic mutation known as CYP2D6 deficiency. This is a liver enzyme that is
critical in metabolizing DXM. It turns out if you are one of the unlucky 1
in 14 or so that have this mutation, DXM at recreational doses will likely
be an unpleasant, psychotic nightmare. Other reasons are that the effects of
DXM are not what many want in a drug, nasty side effects, unpleasantness of
drinking cough syrup, and other downsides. These factors, and the
availability of better drugs on the street, have kept DXM's recreational use
relatively low.
The effects of DXM are not really like any other drug. The closest
comparisons would be to other dissociative anaesthetics, such as ketamine or
PCP. DXM is closer to ketamine in effects, but is still more different than
similar to that. The effects of DXM cannot reasonably be compared with other
psychedelics, such as the serotonergics (LSD, magic mushrooms, etc.) Both
can make you hallucinate and alter your states of consciousness, but in much
different ways.
Who should NOT use DXM?
This is complex, but there are many for whom recreational DXM use is a bad
idea, and possibly very dangerous. For all the warnings in detail, one
really needs to read William White's aforementioned FAQ in its entirety.
However, certain specific warnings: NEVER use DXM with, or up to two weeks
before or three weeks after, a MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor), which are
certain drugs that are usually prescribed for depression (although, rather
rarely today), and also certain recreational MAOIs like harmaline. Mixing
DXM with MAOIs has in fact been FATAL to humans. NEVER use DXM with yohimbe,
as this is a MAOI and also may well be fatal. NEVER use DXM with the
antidepressants Desyrel (trazodone) or Serzone (nefazodone), as this may
cause liver damage. NEVER use with the antihistamine terfenadine (Seldane),
as this could be fatal. Also, DXM should be avoided if taking any of the
SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, etc. If you are taking an antidepressant and
don't know if it is an SSRI, ask your pharmacist.) This risks serotonin
syndrome. Tricyclic antidepressants (again, ask a pharmacist if using any
antidepressant), lithium, or the diet drugs the diet drugs phentermine and
fenfluramine used with DXM also risk serotonin syndrome, so don't use DXM if
taking any of these.
NEW WARNING ABOUT TAKING DXM WITH MDMA ("Ecstasy"): Based on the best
currently available data I have about interactions when DXM is
simultaneously used with MDMA ("Ecstasy"), I am currently strongly advising
against such use. If used together in a dangerous setting, such as a rave or
nightclub when dancing, this combination has routinely resulted in
hyperthermia and hospitalizations. Even if DXM and MDMA are taken together
in a temperature controlled setting with no excercise, some reports I have
suggest that even that might be very dangerous. As such, my recommendation
is DON'T use DXM and MDMA at the same time, or within 96 hours of using the
other drug.
NEVER use DXM if pregnant or nursing a baby. NEVER use DXM if you suffer
from any mental illness. Also, DXM should NEVER be used if you have any
liver or kidney disorders, hypertension (high blood pressure) or other heart
problems, epilepsy, seizures, or ulcers.
Recreational Effects of DXM.
DXM is peculiar in that unlike most drugs, where higher doses just cause
stronger effects, DXM is different. For most people, DXM exhibits "plateaus"
where at increasingly higher doses the overall effect of the drugs changes
dramatically. Within a given plateau, higher doses mean stronger effects,
but once you move into another plateau, other effects tend to dominate. DXM
has four actual plateaus. (There is something called "Plateau Sigma", which
involves taking huge amounts and in divided doses. This is ignored in this
guide, which is introductory. Plateau Sigma is reserved only for very
experienced DXM users who take great risks, including death and brain
damage.) These plateaus are based on mg/kg dosing. For those unfamiliar with
dosing drugs this way, you calculate a mg/kg dose by taking the total amount
of DXM ingested, and dividing that by your weight in kg. (If you only know
your weight in pounds, divide that by 2.2 to get your weight in kg.) These
are averages, and can vary from user to user. Also, a small percentage of
DXM users don't notice a sharp change in effects as they move from plateau
to plateau. However, most people do notice the plateau effect. Also, effects
do vary from person to person as to what happens at these plateaus. For
example, MOST DXMers find third plateau either way too psychotic, way too
intense, or both; and the first use is the last. A small percentage,
however, really do enjoy third (and fourth) plateau doses. The reasons for
these variations are likely many, and probably much of it is due to
genetics, and how your brain is wired. In simple English, some people by
genetic luck of the draw find upper plateaus of DXM enjoyable, while others
don't. This is true not only for DXM, but lots of other drugs. One example,
which actually is related to DXM, is codeine. Most find codeine a good pain
killer and quite fun to take. However, about 7% of people lack a key liver
enzyme that converts codeine into morphine in the body, and these unlucky
souls find codeine just makes them sick. Coincidentally, the enzyme used by
the human body to covert codeine to morphine, CYP2D6, is also one of the 2
liver enzymes that are key to metabolizing DXM. CYP2D6 converts DXM to DXO,
which is an active metabolite that also makes you trip (DXM itself is also
psychoactive.) Without the proper CYP2D6 gene, almost no DXM is converted to
DXO, which makes for a hellish, unpleasant experience. Probably genetic
variation in how human brains are actually wired is the other main reason
for the difference in reaction to DXM. Thus, based on genetics and other
factors, YMMV (your mileage may vary).
First plateau (1.5-2.5 mg/kg).
Above around 1.5 mg/kg, recreational effects of DXM start becoming apparent.
Most describe the sensation as sort of like being a little drunk and a
little stoned at the same time. No hallucinations occur at this level. Only
psychedelic effects are that some notice that colors seem "different", such
as deeper or richer. Some also notice sound is changed. Some people like the
effect DXM has on sound, and particularly with music. This is known as music
euphoria. However, others find DXM makes music sound terrible, sort of tinny
and distorted. Only way to know for you is to listen to music on DXM and see
if you like it. At this plateau one isn't overly intoxicated, and could
possibly even enjoy DXM use at this level in social situations. Moving about
is quite easy, and some enjoy this on first plateau. Again, this is a matter
of taste, and may not be true for you. For most people, nothing really bad
will happen at this level, unless they do something stupid like get behind
the wheel of a car, or use where they are in an unsafe environment.
Strangely, relatively few recreational DXMers report usage at first plateau
levels. However, for some it is fun, and beginners may enjoy it more than
the experienced user.
Second plateau. (2.5-7.5mg/kg).
THIS plateau is the where most recreational DXM usage takes place.
Particularly, this is the level where the visual hallucinations begin to
occur, and are enjoyed the best by most. DXM visual hallucinations aren't
like those of any other drug. Certainly DXM is vastly different in effects
than LSD or 'shrooms. With DXM, hallucinations are only really noticeable in
a dark room with eyes shut (of course, if the room is totally pitch black,
then it doesn't make a difference whether your eyes are open or not.) These
are known as CEV's, or closed eye visual hallucinations. These consist of
sheets, swirls and blobs of color that move about. Rarely is anything that
looks "real" seen. Sort of a light show in your head. The exact nature of
what is seen varies from person to person, and this is hard to put into
words. Many find these hallucinations enjoyable, but they can get boring if
you do DXM too often. It is these hallucinations that are the most appealing
aspect of DXM for most.
At second plateau levels, some feel a "body high" that is pleasant, while
others don't get this effect. Unfortunately, negative physical effects, like
nausea, often tend to overwhelm the pleasant body buzz. Many a DXMer has
puked from using the drug. No way of knowing how fun the body buzz will be
until you try DXM at these levels.
At second plateau levels, physical coordination is impaired. You may stagger
around a bit. Also, double vision is a hallmark of DXM at second plateau, so
if you have to move, shut one eye. Most users at this level don't need a
sober trip sitter, although it can't hurt to have one, particularly with
early usage at a given level until you know the effects. If you don't have a
sitter at second plateau, just make sure you won't knock anything over, and
the environment you are in is safe and controlled
Third plateau (7.5-15mg/kg)
At third plateau, the psychotomimetic (psychosis like) effects of DXM take
over. Hallucinations are still there, but it is likely the altered state of
consciousness will be the dominating factor of the experience. Sensory input
can be seriously impaired, particularly vision. Logic and causality easily
break down once you get to the third plateau levels. Notions that are
totally bizarre may seem to make perfect sense. It is very east to become
extremely delusional and disoriented. One might also recall forgotten or
repressed memories at these levels. The effects vary so greatly that there
is no "typical" third plateau trip. Just expect it to be overwhelming.
Depending on how things go, this could make for a good or bad trip.
Unfortunately, for most, at this level trips tend to go bad. Although,
ironically, it is often the case that the bad trips are the ones that you
learn the most from. Needless to say, one can see the importance of a sober
trip sitter at this level. Many still can move about at third plateau
levels, and unintentionally or intentionally harm themselves. The sitter at
third plateau is mostly there to make sure the tripper doesn't do anything
stupid. Something serious possibly could come up that would require calling
an ambulance, but it is unlikely that this would be needed at third plateau.
Fourth plateau (15-30 mg/kg; although dosing beyond 20 mg/kg is not
advisable, nor needed, for most people.)
At this level, total mind/body dissociation occurs. The tripper loses some
or all contact with his external senses, and is unable to move or respond to
stimuli. He/she is in his own imaginary universe, while the sitter is
watching to make sure the tripper doesn't choke on his/her own vomit, go
into seizures, or otherwise need medical attention. As for what the
experience is, anything is possible. Some have hallucinated contacts with
god(s), alien beings, seeing bizarre worlds, and other strange effects,
along with completely irrational thinking. Dosage at this level is far from
safe, and should done only by those who have taken DXM at third plateau
levels before, and have done so with positive outcomes. Even in that case,
considering the known risks of DXM with respect to brain damage (and the
fact this risk is greatest at fourth plateau levels), remember the brain you
may be frying will be yours. Thus, don't even think about use at these sorts
of doses unless you fully understand and accept the high risk involved.
Also, NEVER, EVER use at this level without a SOBER trip sitter.
Comment regarding plateaus and physical intoxication on DXM.
These "plateaus" refer mainly to the mental ("tripping") effects of DXM, and
what can be expected at various doses. They don't really apply to the
physical effects of DXM. Basically, as dose of DXM increases, the physical
intoxication effects (most notably involving motor control; difficulty in
walking, slurred speech, etc.) pretty much increase in a linear fashion with
dose. In the first plateau range, there is very little impairment worth
mentioning. However, definitely don't drive or operate heavy machinery even
at this dose, as reaction time might be reduced enough that in a hazardous
situation, this could be a problem. As one goes through second plateau,
motor control starts to be impaired, and increases gradually. At the high
end of second plateau, most observers would clearly notice you are high.
However, throughout second plateau you should be able to walk, talk, etc.
You might seem somewhat intoxicated to someone else, but you should still be
able to walk around and communicate. Once you get to the third plateau
level, *then* this starts becoming a serious problem. Specifically,
inability to walk, control hands, etc. Talking shouldn't be difficult, at
least physically. No guarantee that you won't be babbling in a psychotic
manner, however. At fourth plateau, forget moving around. Communication may
be impossible with the outside world also, although some trippers in fact
can maintain some communication with their sitters while on fourth plateau.
Physical impairment while using DXM recreationally may be particularly
important if someone is concerned that other people around them will know
they are using the drug recreationally. DON'T assume, and delude yourself,
that others won't notice that you are on something. This is particularly a
concern in the second plateau range. While at very low first plateau some
people could pass as straight to others, by the time you get to the upper
end of second plateau, assume that anyone who sees you will know you are
high. If concealing DXM use is a concern for you, if you are around other
people who may observe you, and you don't want them to know you are using
anything, then you are pretty much limited to first plateau, and perhaps
lower second plateau. Even then, remember that you aren't the only one out
there who has ever done drugs or been around drug users. Lots of other
people know how to recognize the signs; particularly if they know well
exactly how you act sober (such as family members or close friends.) Put
simply, if concealing use is a concern, you'll have to stay to the very
lowest recreational doses, or time your usage such that you only do it at
times where you are damn sure nobody will be around that you don't want to
know that you are using DXM.
Special warning about possible brain damage from DXM use.
If you read the Olney's lesion section report of the DXM FAQ, this is
explained in greater detail. The issue is that #1) Based on theoretical
concerns, recreational DXM use may well risk brain damage; and #2) There
have been anecdotal reports by people who have used DXM recreationally that
sounds like they really DID damage their brains. Obviously, this is not a
good thing. The problem is, it is very unclear what the level of risk is,
and precisely who is at risk. The data is still not fully in, and the jury
is still out on this. HOWEVER, I've seen a number of reports from DXM users
that leads me to believe that HAVE developed brain damage from DXM use. All
that I have read have been from heavy users, and also upper plateau (third
and fourth.) My best guess, at this point, is that one is unlikely to
experience this if they do the following: #1) ALWAYS have at least one week
per plateau rest between uses; and #2) Limit use to lower plateaus (first
and second). I'm not saying that if someone occasionally uses at upper
plateaus they will get brain damage. However, I suspect it is a cumulative
process. In other words, each use at upper plateaus may do some brain
damage. But, the harm from a single use is so small that it is unnoticeable.
Only after a number of repeated uses does it reach the level where it
becomes noticeable, and a problem. A little like radiation exposure. One
X-ray from a doctor is harmless. However, if one had themselves X-rayed many
hundreds of times, THEN it becomes a problem. As such, if you must venture
into the upper plateaus, do so sparingly. As for lower plateau use with at
least a week per plateau rest between uses, if brain damage occurs from
that, it probably takes a large number of uses before it becomes a concern.
However, I COULD BE WRONG. It may be that some people, even if they stick to
such lower plateau use, may get brain damage. In particular, there may be an
unknown genetic susceptibility. Since brain damage tends to be permanent,
all are advised to keep this danger in mind, and proceed cautiously.
Warning: Recreational DXM use has already killed some people!
YES, recreational DXM use could kill you, and already resulted in at least 2
deaths that I can confirm. The first involved using pure DXM powder at high
doses, and the other involved use of Coricidin. While I haven't been able to
confirm it, I strongly suspect one other person who used to post on the
Usenet drug newsgroups also has died of DXM overdose. You can learn more
about these deaths at the following link:
www.rfgdxm.f2s.com/dxmdeaths.htm
So, I know the risks, and still want to use DXM recreationally. Now what?
OK. You've read William White's DXM FAQ, and about all those nasty things
like ending up in a mental hospital after a psychotic break on DXM, fried
brains with Olney's lesions, drug interactions, etc. and still insist on
doing it. Well, it's your life and your brain, so if you must, do it the
safest way possible. Since this guide is for beginners, I'll assume you will
be starting with OTC cough products (pure DXM HBr powder can be ordered
legally in many countries from chemical resellers, but that is only for the
serious user.) Let me make this as simple as possible for you. You need a
syrup or pill that has DXM, and ONLY DXM, as the active ingredient. NOTHING
else. Have I made myself clear? OK. If you live outside the US, you might be
lucky enough that DXM only pills are sold in your country. If you are this
fortunate, those are what you'd want to take. In the US, there is only one
pill/capsule that contain DXM as the only active ingredient. It is sold
under the name Dexalone, and is a gelcap that has 30 mg DXM per gelcap. It
tends to be very hard to find, and expensive if you do find it. US DXMers
typically have to drink disgusting tasting cough syrup. Such is life. In the
US currently, the notable name brands of choice are Robitussin Maximum
Strength Cough syrup, which is 3 mg/ml strength, and Vick's 44 Cough syrup,
which is 2 mg/ml strength. Make ABSOLUTELY sure that it isn't the "Cough and
Cold" variety (I call that one "Stroke in a Bottle"), as it contains
pseudoephedrine which could easily kill you at high doses. The Robitussin
Maximum Strength Cough syrup is usually preferable, since you have to drink
less because it is 50% stronger. Generics are OK (usually, they will be
Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough syrup generic equivalents), although
inactive ingredients in some generics are often more likely to cause
vomiting. Thus, I'd recommend you start with the name brand. If later on you
find a generic that doesn't make you puke, feel free to switch. Don't use
Delsym, which contains dextromethorphan polystirex. This is a time release
form, and not suitable for recreational use. NEVER, EVER drink a cough syrup
that is NOT a DXM only one. NO other active ingredients. Many of the other
active ingredients found in cough syrups will likely KILL you in overdose.
At best you will just puke your guts out if you are lucky. Specifically,
acetaminophen can cause slow, painful death from liver failure,
pseudoephedrine can give you a heart attack or stroke, various
antihistamines will result in you ending up dead or psychotic depending on
your luck, and guaifenesin will result in projectile vomiting. Since DXM
only syrups are easy to find (at least in the US) this isn't an issue. Some
foreign countries may not have any DXM only syrups. In that case, you will
have to extract the DXM, if possible. SPECIAL WARNING FOR THOSE IN THE U.S.:
Do NOT even THINK of using Coricidin Cough and Cold pills recreationally.
They also contain an anticholinergic (chlorpheniramine maleate) that is VERY
dangerous at high doses, and worse yet interacts with DXM in a harmful
matter. There has already been one documented death from Coricidin abuse,
and MANY hospitalizations. Coricidin at high doses is dangerous and quite
possibly deadly. See http://www.rfgdxm.f2s.com/coricidindeadly.htm for more
about this.
Once you have a DXM only syrup, to use DXM recreationally you need start at
low doses, and slowly work up. Maximum first time recreational dose is 100
mg (about 1/3 of a 118 ml bottle of Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough
Syrup), which is about 1.5 mg/kg for a person weighing 65 kgs. This is the
bottom end of first plateau. Odds are, you won't feel much of anything.
Which is what you should hope for. If for some reason DXM really seems
powerful at a 100mg dose, then likely you have CYP2D6 deficiency, or are
otherwise hypersensitive. If a 100 mg dose of DXM is disagreeable, that just
means you are one of those that DXM isn't for, and move on to other drugs.
If you have no trouble with this initial 100 mg dose, you can increase by no
more than 50 mg each time (about 1/6 of a 118 ml bottle of Robitussin
Maximum Strength Cough Syrup), with at LEAST one week between trips. The
earlier doses get you used to the first plateau effects. Try to have fun,
see if you like listening to music on DXM, etc. Once you get into the second
plateau doses, you'll start noticing the CEVs in the dark. Look carefully,
and see how they change as you gradually increase doses on later trips.
First, they will be barely there. Then, as you move up to higher doses, they
will become more and more intense. By moving up to gradually higher doses,
you'll also learn to see how it affects your ability to move about. You'll
also notice if the side effects are getting too bad for you if you move up
slowly. It is unlikely that by gradually incrementing doses, any allergic or
hypersensitivity reactions that might develop would suddenly become serious.
Also, if you follow this gradual incrementing of doses method, then you
might not need a trip sitter through the second plateau level. Although, it
is always best to have one. If you slowly nudge doses up on later trips,
then next trip will likely never be much stronger than the last. And, if it
does get a little too intense, it'll only be at the peak and you can likely
keep your senses until the drug wears off.
If you make it through up toward the top end of second plateau and find you
enjoy DXM a lot, then you will have to consider whether you want to try
upper plateaus. If so, then it is definitely time to line up a trip sitter.
The trips likely will start getting wacky, and if you go into that territory
without a sitter, you have been warned. DON'T underestimate the possibility
of psychotic thoughts at third plateau levels. I've had it happen to me, and
I assure you it'll be a whole lot safer and possibly less traumatic if you
have a sitter. In any case, slowly increasing doses at third plateau levels
shouldn't be as objectionable to some like having to do that through the
second plateau, for whom impatience might be a problem. Third plateau trips
will be quite intense, even at the lower end. They might be totally
euphoric, or a bad trip from hell, but shouldn't be boring. If you do make
it all the way up to dose near or into the fourth plateau range (if you
would even consider it), then only the most foolhardy or reckless would do
so without a trip sitter. Somebody has to watch your body while you roam the
astral planes in your mind.
-Robert F. Golaszewski
August 29, 2001
Off topic, and as far as I know un-asked for, but you are welcome to the group.
--
Eugene A. Calame eaca...@excite.com
Austin, Texas USA http://www.geocities.com/eacalame/
Please ask your ISP to add the newsgroup alt.religion.salvation-army
At least until my supply of nude Beart pictures runs out. ;)
--
http://www.rfgdxm.f2s.com. My "Beginner's Guide to DXM"- Version 2.3,
and other DXM related material can be accessed from there.
Revised with new section on known recreational DXM use deaths:
http://www.rfgdxm.f2s.com/dxmdeaths.htm
>"Eugene A. Calame" <eaca...@excite.com> wrote in message
>news:iTyVO8uMhLauDu...@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 4 Sep 2001 12:43:50 -0400, "rfgdxm/Robert F. Golaszewski"
>> <rfg...@mochamail.com> wrote:
>
>> Off topic, and as far as I know un-asked for, but you are welcome to the
>group.
>
>
> At least until my supply of nude Beart pictures runs out. ;)
Other than our exchanges, how many new post has your pr0n pictures generated?
Why would anyone want to post text about pr0n? The idea is to jerk off to
it. ;)
>"Eugene A. Calame" <eaca...@excite.com> wrote in message
>news:wYGWOygL2mRgtu...@4ax.com...
>> On Wed, 05 Sep 2001 08:29:44 GMT, "rfgdxm/Robert F. Golaszewski"
>> <rfg...@mochamail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >"Eugene A. Calame" <eaca...@excite.com> wrote in message
>> >news:iTyVO8uMhLauDu...@4ax.com...
>> >> On Tue, 4 Sep 2001 12:43:50 -0400, "rfgdxm/Robert F. Golaszewski"
>> >> <rfg...@mochamail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> Off topic, and as far as I know un-asked for, but you are welcome to the
>> >group.
>> >
>> >
>> > At least until my supply of nude Beart pictures runs out. ;)
>>
>> Other than our exchanges, how many new post has your pr0n pictures
>generated?
>
>
> Why would anyone want to post text about pr0n? The idea is to jerk off to
>it. ;)
It was you idea to get more traffic with pr0n; not mine.