DEXTROMETHORPHAN (DXM) DRUG TEST

Description

TEST COMPONENTS:

The DXM drug test can be administered using urine or hair to measure the level of DXM in the body.

PRICE:

*Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS?

Test results are generally available within five (5) business days after your specimen is collected.

WHAT IS A DEXTROMETHORPHAN (DXM) DRUG TEST?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an antitussive (cough suppressant) medication that is generally found in many over-the-counter cold and cough medications.  When taken as prescribed on the label side effects are mild and include fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, pupil dilation and excessive sweating.  However, DXM can and is being abused by many young adults and teens.  Serious side effects when taken in large quantities are concerning and include seizures, confusion, agitation, impaired coordination, disorientation and hallucinations.

Standard drug tests may not be able to identify DXM, although it has been shown to test similarly to Phencyclidine (PCP) causing a false positive for that drug.

WHY DO I NEED TO BE TESTED FOR DXM USE?

Is your teen acting drunk and disoriented but you’ve found no evidence of empty liquor bottles or drugs?

The potential for abuse of DXM is very high in teens and young adults, and is on the rise, because it is easy to get and quickly and easily produces feelings of intoxication that are similar to those from PCP.  10% of teens have abused DXM at some point.  Patients at hospitals who arrive with a new-onset seizure are frequently tested for DXM levels and may be referred for drug rehabilitation treatment.  Reports have shown that some users are cutting DXM with heroin to enhance the effects of the drug.

Many parents wouldn’t suspect anything if they found an empty cough syrup bottle or empty cold medicine packet lying around.  Most of us would also think it incredible that someone would want to drink a whole bottle of cough medicine, but abuse of DXM sends thousands of people to the emergency room every year.  The potential for toxic side effects is very real and abuse or overdose can lead to liver damage, heart attack, stroke, coma and death.  If you suspect your teen or child of getting to the cough syrup you should seek medical help immediately.

TEST DETAILS:

NORMAL RANGE:

Normal results are negative.

Cut Off Levels for Dextromethorphan:

Hair: 50 pg/mg

Urine: 50 ng/mL

HIGH RESULTS INDICATE:

High results indicate abuse of Dextromethorphan.

LOW RESULTS INDICATE:

Low results are normal.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE?

You should see your primary care physician.