If you want to learn about the use of DXM for opiate withdrawal, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been researching and writing about natural and medication-based opiate withdrawal remedies for years, and I recently learned about DXM’s ability to positively affect the withdrawal syndrome.
Research has shown that individuals using DXM for opiate withdrawal have experienced a significant reduction of symptoms.
After reading a ton of literature from different sources and watching many YouTube videos on DXM, I can see both the benefits and potential dangers of using DXM for opiate withdrawal. The purpose of this article is to provide you with accurate and helpful information regarding the use of DXM in the treatment of opiate withdrawal.
What Is DXM?
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is an antitussive (cough suppressant) drug found in over 125 over-the-counter cough and cold medications, including Robitussin, Coricidin, and Vicks. The DXM dosage for cough relief is 10-30 mg every 4-8 hours, with a maximum dose of 120 mg/day.
DXM was originally developed to replace codeine phosphate as a cough suppressant, and it was approved by the FDA in 1958 as an over-the-counter antitussive. Codeine was a powerful cough suppressant, however, it had a few undesirable attributes, namely sedation and opioid dependence.
Unfortunately, DXM was also found to have negative aspects associated with it. At high doses above the therapeutic level, DXM and it’s major metabolite, dextrorphan, act as an NMDA receptor antagonist, thus producing effects similar to the dissociative hallucinogenic states created by drugs such as phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine.
High doses of DXM are now commonly used (mostly by teenagers and young adults) for recreational use. “Robotripping” has become the main drug culture term used for this altered state of consciousness. The name is derived from the common cough syrup brand Robitussin, as well as the trippy state induced by taking high doses of DXM.
Common experiences of a DXM trip include:
- Separation of mind and body
- Feelings of supreme balance and strength
- Intense dreamlike states
- Sensory deprivation
Note: Individuals under the influence of DXM are also known for their distinct “robo-walk”. Brain-motor coordination is affected, leading to a robotic-like movement of arms and legs, which many have described as trying to walk in zero gravity and struggling for one’s feet to touch the ground.
Watch Epic YouTube Video of Man Robo Walking>>
The 4 Plateaus Of DXM
As dosages of DXM increase, the effects change and are commonly referred to as plateaus, of which there are four. At the low end of the spectrum (first plateau), DXM produces an excitatory state of pleasure similar to stimulants such as cocaine. The sound of music becomes increasingly pleasant, as auditory stimulation is greatly enhanced.
In midrange doses of DXM (2nd plateau), sensory perception, memory, and brain-motor coordination are affected. Psychotomimetic (psychotic-like) effects can become present. At this stage sight and sound can take on a dream-like characteristic, and one begins to feel increasingly detached from the outside world. I saw a YouTube video where a kid described his DXM trip “like being in a box that was separated from reality.”
As doses of DXM are further increased (3rd and 4th plateaus), the effects become less “recreational” than the lower plateaus and are more spiritual, introspective, and shamanic. There are increasing gaps in sensory input, or “cut-offs”. Instead of the usual awareness of one’s body and environment, there is now awareness of nothing. This “white-out” can lead to a total loss of self-awareness, and at very high doses, the incapacity for speech and movement.
DXM exhibits different effects as the dose is increased due to the various stages of receptor action and receptor saturation.
Pharmacology of the DXM experience can be defined as follows:
- Low doses (1.2-2.5 mg/kg) – 1st Plateau: PCP1 mediated NMDA blockade; PCP2 mediated increase in dopaminergic tone.
- Medium doses (2.5-15 mg/kg) – 2nd & 3rd Plateaus: PCP1 mediated blockade; sigma agonism.
- Large doses (>15 mg/kg) – 4th Plateau: PCP1 mediated NMDA blockade.
Note: If you want to see and hear some DXM effects, click on the links below. I’ve never done DXM, but after watching videos of people on it, I now have a much better idea of what it might be like. Also, I listened to some songs that a guy recorded while he was robotripping…very creative and entertaining!
Video Of Two Kids TRIPPIN on DXM>>
Music Recorded High On DXM>>
Voice Recorded High On DXM That Will Freak You Out>>
Why Does DXM Help With Opiate Withdrawal?
A review study from 2004 done in Germany concludes that three main mechanisms are responsible for opioid tolerance and the withdrawal syndrome dependence, which are upregulation of adenyl cyclase and nitric oxide synthetase and activation of NMDA receptors. Consequently, the use of alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine) and NMDA antagonists (e.g., dextromethorphan, ketamine) can minimize the tolerance phenomenon and decrease the withdrawal symptoms.
DXM For Opiate Withdrawal Studies
In a study from 1990, 48 heroin addicts going through acute opiate withdrawal were separated into two groups. The first group received 4 mg chlorpromazine every hour, and 10 mg diazepam every 6 hours. The second group received 15 mg of dextromethorphan instead of chlorpromazine.
All withdrawal symptoms except perspiration and emesis (vomiting) were significantly less in the dextromethorphan group.
According to the study:
The results are considered to be supporting evidence for the hypothesis emphasizing the blockade of NMDA receptors by opiates in opiate addiction. Furthermore, the decrease caused by non-opioid NMDA antagonists in the responsiveness of NMDA receptors appears very promising for the treatment of opiate addicts.”
In a clinical study from 2013 in Iran, 60 patients going through opiate withdrawal were divided into two groups.
Group 1 received 0.4–1.2 mg clonidine per day in three divided doses according to the patient’s tolerance, 1 mg clonazepam every eight hours, and 500 mg acetaminophen every six hours.
The second group received the same protocol mentioned above, with the addition of 75 mg dextromethorphan every six hours.
Results showed that dextromethorphan added to the clonidine regimen has a better efficacy compared to clonidine alone ameliorating opiate withdrawal symptoms.
According to the study:
Dextromethorphan, as a NMDA antagonist, is effective in the relief of withdrawal symptoms. Hence it is very useful in increasing the efficacy of clonidine and reducing the need for opioid agonists. Added dextromethorphan to clonidine resulted in symptom reduction as soon as the second day of admission while patients experienced very few side effects.”
DXM For Opiate Withdrawal Dosage
According to the studies mentioned above, the patients were given either 15 mg DXM per hour (360 mg/24 hours), or 75 mg DXM every six hours (300 mg/24 hours). This dosing protocol would appear to put the user in the 1st plateau, so one wouldn’t have to worry about the psychotomimetic effects of the upper plateaus.
Note: Everyone is biochemically unique, so there is no way to be certain how each individual will respond to DXM.
Dopaminergic (activated or transmitted by dopamine) effects of DXM are most prominent in the 1st plateau, making it ideal for the treatment of opiate withdrawal.
DXM blocks the reuptake of dopamine by its action at the PCP2 receptor site. Increased synaptic dopamine in the VTA and nucleus accumbens produces euphorigenic (feelings of well-being/euphoria) & reinforcing effects. DXM in this dose range produces an invigorating state of pleasure similar to stimulants such as cocaine.
Where To Purchase DXM For Opiate Withdrawal
The safest way to use DXM for opiate withdrawal is to get a product that lists dextromethorphan HBr as the only active ingredient…something like Robitussin Lingering Cold Long-Acting Coughgels
, which has 15 mg in each liquid-filled capsule.
Do to the need for dosages above the antitussive level, using products with DXM in combination with other drugs can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
Here is a list of some other common drugs added in with DXM in many over-the-counter cough/cold medications:
- Guaifenesin – Expectorant
- Pseudoephedrine HCl – Nasal decongestant
- Acetaminophen – Pain reliever
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate – Antihistamine
Note: Large dosages of acetaminophen can cause liver damage; large dosages of chlorpheniramine can cause increased heart rate, lack of coordination, seizures, and coma; and large dosages of guaifenesin can cause vomiting.
Potential Dangers Of Using DXM For Opiate Withdrawal
DXM is a very powerful drug. Many teenagers and other individuals have ended up in the hospital or even died as a result of taking very large doses of DXM. I watched some YouTube videos where kids were taking 1,000 mg or more, and they couldn’t even talk. I would be very afraid to be in this state of mind.
To be quite blunt, this drug scares the shit out of me. While taking lower dosages for opiate withdrawal were shown to have good results in research studies, taking more to experience the dissociative hallucinogenic state can result in some serious side effects.
Apparently, about one third of people really enjoy the DXM tripping experience, another third hate it and never try it again, while the last third feel neutral about it. I can assure you I would be the one who freaks out and has a bad DXM trip. The thought of being even slightly dissociated from reality is a huge turn off for me.
Note: If you decide to use DXM for opiate withdrawal, make sure to use it safely by adhering to the contraindications.
Click on the link below for a complete list of DXM contraindications:
Conclusion
According to studies, dextromethorphan (DXM) appears to be a significant remedy for treating opiate withdrawal symptoms. However, due to it’s ability to produce effects similar to ketamine and PCP, it has the potential for abuse, and people have died from overdosing on DXM.
If you’re deciding whether or not to use DXM for opiate withdrawal, perhaps you might benefit from reading the following comment a reader left on another article:
I am at 46.5 hours now using Vit C chewable (sodium ascorbate), 2.5g 3 to 4x daily – it’s all I could get around my tiny town – loperamide 20mg 2x daily, clonidine 0.1mg 2 x daily and DXM 100 mg 1-2x daily. I have to say I don’t have any symptoms at all. I do not have any energy but that is about it. When I wake up in the morning I have watery eyes and sneeze and yawn, but within 30 min of my meds I feel fine. I slept 7 hours last night. NO RLS! Felt fine today. I’ve been eating toast and cereal and all bathroom functions are fine. I have to say I don’t feel quite like myself and I think it’s the DXM but I don’t have any cravings or withdrawals. I am coming off a huge habit which I tapered down to 120mg oxy and/or 32 mg hydromorphone daily.” – Shannon
Click here now to view my best home detox program. If you have any questions on using DXM for opiate withdrawal, please feel free to post them in the comment box below.
I tried the DXM method and I have some feedback to share about my 24-hour acute withdrawal experience.
FIRST THING: Absolutely DO NOT take a magnesium supplement with this method. If you take things like Calm Support or Epsom salt baths or are taking a magnesium supplement for stool issues related to Kratom / Opiates. Do not take them during this method, and wait 24 hours until they are out of your system to start this. You could end up in the hospital or overdose. I learned this the hard way. VERY IMPORTANT
SECOND THING: Keep your DXM dose low. Do not go all in drinking a quarter or half bottle of this stuff or taking handfuls of pills. Be smart and precise about your intake. Use the lowest possible 15mg dose every 3-4 hours until you start to feel relief. I got pretty much complete relief at around 60mg spread out over a 12 hour period. This is the exact amount suggested on the bottle as an adult dose. (30mg every 6 hours) You do not need to “robotrip” on this stuff to get relief, at least I did not in my case.
Also remember you are going through withdrawals. This is not easy. The DXM will help and make things manageable, but it’s not a cheat or body hack to remove all symptoms. Be responsible and smart about this. This method did work well for me during my first 24 hours of acute withdrawal when I used it. My typical symptoms during withdrawal include these almost unbearable pains in my legs and body. These symptoms seem the most responsible for my personal relapse each time I try and quit. Following the proper dosages on the bottle gave me relief from these symptoms.
LASTLY: Try the Vitamin C method first. It yields similar results and feels much safer to me. Although I personally just used the suggested DXM dosage guide on the bottle. Also, In my opinion, this DXM method should only be a 1-2 day solution. After the main 48-72 hour acute withdraw period you should stop. I would suggest switching to the Vitamin C method after this phase.
Remember, be responsible about this method and your dosage. Keep it low and it should help. The brand I used was Walgreens Adult Wal-tussin and the only active ingredient was DXM at 30mg per 10mg liquid capful. I understand not everyone can afford the Vitamin C method, so I wanted to write this for those who wanted to try the DXM method first as it is cheaper.
So the bottom line. ABSOLUTELY NO MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS during the DXM method. Also don’t over do it. Just follow the directions on the bottle like you have a cold and it should help. Then after 2 days resort to other supplements/herbs/tools for the PAWS phases.
I hope this helps someone and saves them from the mistakes I made initially. Good luck everyone.
I took a 5HTP yesterday morning, first time ever. Am I ok to have DXM today? It’s been over 24 hours since I had it. It was 100mg.
Can I get this dmx or whatever its called in the u.k
I’m not sure. Call up your local drug store or even grocery store and ask them if they carry Robitussin with just DXM and no other ingredients. We have it in US at every grocery store, convenience store, and grocery store.
How much DXM do I need to help with withdrawals
As low as 15 mg per dose and one can always go higher if that’s not enough, but always use caution as to go up in dose slowly as to not take too much.
My Son is using dxm to help with heroin withdrawals. He wants to go back on suboxone to stave off cravings. It has been 48 hours since last heroin use. Wold the dxm interfere with the suboxone induction? He is afraid of going through precipitated withdrawals
Hi Kelly,
DXM is not an opioid and so it would not induce precipitated withdrawal. And 48 hours after the last dose of heroin means he would be cleared to use Suboxone under the doctor’s supervision.
Thanks Matt,
For some reason he started going into precipitated withdrawals. He and his girlfriend truly want to be clean and stop being a slave to heroin. They are looking to me for guidance. We have read your website and see hope. I want to order cam ease and get dpla for them as well. My son struggles with horrible thoughts when he goes through withdrawals. He fears this the most. Please let me know what you think he should take in addition to calm ease and dpla and what way is best to detox. They just started taking a multi-vitamin, as well. Should I invest in the resource tool kit too? What does that have in it? Praying we can get them on the right track so they can start enjoyin life.
Hi Kelly. Along with those supplements, I typically recommend people take B-complex, magnesium/calcium/zinc, vitamin C, and a high-quality fish oil supplement. And the Opiate Recovery Toolkit is totally free and it’s very helpful. I highly recommend it.
Thanks so much! My son has been able to start taking suboxone and he has started these suplemwnts you suggested. I am ordering Calm support and calm sleep today. Before the heroin relapse, he was on suboxone through a Dr. and didn’t have any happy feelings whatsoever. He said he felt no emotions. How soon should he try to taper off of that and if he stays on suboxone for a period of time would he still have no emotions even if he were taking the dpla, and calm support? Also, his girlfriend will start detoxing soon. Do you think we should invest in the ultimate detox program for $97?
Oh the emotions do come back! I promise. And they come back TOO fast haha. Exercise helps so much. And the program will help more than anything else I have. They can both be in the program for the price of one.
Hi again,
One more question. Should I order the triangle to replace any of the supplements I’ve recently purchased or will purchase for detox and recovery…..Multivitamin, dpla, l-tyrosine, Omega 3, calcium, magnesium, calm support, sleep support…. Just want to get them started on what works best. Thanks!
Yes, the Triangle is essential in my opinion. It can replace the multivitamin and omega 3. But keep taking the other supplements with it. Make sure to get the nitro xtreme triangle as that helps the most.
Instead of using OTC meds to help with withdrawls, you may want to look into Kratom
Agree
I was sold a bad batch of kratom for $70 by some guy on Craigslist…it is totally unregulated and can go bad. God only knows what is in that stuff…unless a govt agency here or over there where it is grown can vouch for its safety…beware of this harsh bitter plant…plus ppl get just as addicted and it turns your teeth green!
only if you forget to brush.
Hello
I was with a treatment of subutex and know i’m under morphine since nearly 3 months. I would like to know if it’s possible to become clean with a ketamine treatment or DXM. I’m suppose to go somewhere where they do a kind of UROD saying it’s without suffering but i’m doubting.
Please contact me in France on 00 33 5 58 49 81 00
or by mail: stephane.cabas@laposte.net
Thank’s a lot.
I just want to day that you have helped me so much I am on day four and not doing bad. Using dxm in low doses. Loperimide 8mg when needed and clonodine and gabapentin. U r a life saver. I am gonna make it.
My girlfriend is going cold turkey as we speak from h.I myself started a methadone program which idid as a last resort because the last time I was on it I almost died. I have changed my mind about the methadone I am on 100 mg and want off it.can you help me understand what I will need to come off as painless as possible. Should I go back to the h to get off the methadone
I also wanted to say I don’t have the money for the emiridal is there something less expensive is the dxm enough on its own?
Please help me I’m desperate I just got out of a three month long hospital stay where they had me on dilauded fetanyl and oxys and percocets around the clock 24/7. They sent me home without even tapering me off so it was abrupt. I just bought bananas Gatorade and cough cold flu medicine with 10mg of dxm but the problem is that I have small children and need to stay awake during the day. What can I do I’m scared I’m just starting to get symptoms of withdrawal when should you go to the hospital am I going to be alright they had me on all those pain medications all at the same time because I was near death.
Hey Jayne,
How’re you feeling now? Saw no one responded to your questions so would like to check-up 🙂
Why would they put u on oxy dilaudid and Percocet at the same time. They’re all the same chemical. Fentanyl is strong enough on its own
That doesn’t make any sense what u just said
Can this work without the clonidine?
I have a script at home for a cough suppressant with 15mg DMX and promethazine hydrochloride 6.25 mgs in it. Think it’s ok if I use this to help withdrawal? Wasn’t sure about the promethazine mixed in.
The thing is, to get enough of the DXM to help, it might mean you would have to consume too much promethazine, which could be very bad for your body since you can overdose on antihistamines.
Sounds like something that may help me, except I can’t take acetaminophen. So can it be found without it??
I put a clickable link in the article to a product that only contains DXM. Click below to see:
Robafen Cough Liquidgels Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 15mg, 20 Liquidgels (3 Packs)
Hi Matt… My teenaged stepson had a cough so was gonna stop by CVS to get something for it after I stopped by our Dollar Tree for some refills for our auto spray air fresheners… I randomly found some cough relief gel tabs that said “Compare to Robotussin Long Acting Cough Gels” so got them for $1 instead of going to spend $6-$10 at CVS. If they didn’t work, only $1 loss, right?! They worked! Then my 19 yr old brother stopped by and saw the bottle and got excited… They are 15mg dxm each and 15 pills per bottle. I refused to give him any as he just wanted to trip. Just thought it may help those in recovery save money! They sell them at Dollar Tree’s where everything is just $1! Our brother passed almost 1 yr ago from a heroin (specifically fentanyl) overdose. He was 36 days clean and his first relapse was his final. I’m now constantly looking for ways to help our friends who are addicted to pills or heroin, etc. who can’t just leave for rehab. Thanks for your help in this ongoing battle of recovery for so many people <3
Besides the robo-gels 15mg or generic equivalent there are liquid preparations such as Delsym or generic equivalent which is an extended release version lasting 12hrs that uses same slow release technology found in Tussionex. I found this extended release formula more effective for myself. And this extended version only contains DXM.
Hello SId,
It sounds to me that your “can’t stand still” feeling is the akathisia common to almost all physically-dependent drug withdrawals. It’s the same or very similar to the “itchy joints” opiate-withdrawal symptom reported by many. I suggest that you read Matt’s resources on Kratom and consider it for yourself, because that is what worked for me when other options had failed.
Good luck!
When I stop taking heroin I get the worst feeling of not being able to stay still. Its in my arms not my legs I guess because I’m very active with my legs. I read your last post about magnesium and it sounds like that will work for my restless arms and I just relapsed at work everyone was staring at me and I took eleven zubsolv that day like an idiot and then finally started to feel better but then relapsed two days later. I really don’t get any other withdrawal symptoms just I can’t stay still the yawns and sneezes and sweat. Will dxm and magnesium just make me sleep the withdrawal away? I have a week off of work coming up and I wanna quit and never go back. I’m hoping this will work with excersice hot baths magnesium and dmx. Thank you.
Hi Sid,
If you haven’t read the following article, I believe it will benefit you:
How To Stop Restless Legs From Opiate Withdrawal
Everyone is biochemically unique, so I’m not sure what effect the magnesium and DXM will have on you. It had good results in studies, and the reader that used it in combination with other remedies (comment I quoted at end of this DXM article) was able to have almost no symptoms, and she slept 7 hours!
Having a week off work is amazing! Study this website and you’ll find all the info you need to have a relatively minor home detox. If you have any more questions, I’m here to help you along the way. Take care.