Non-prescription Drugs This Lesson Plan Produced By Your Drug Demand Reduction Program 1

2 What is Dextromethorphan (DXM)? Cough-suppressing ingredient found in variety of over- the-counter cold and cough medications Cough-suppressing ingredient found in variety of over- the-counter cold and cough medications Dissociative anesthetic, meaning DXM effects can include hallucinations Dissociative anesthetic, meaning DXM effects can include hallucinations

What Does It Look Like? Cough syrup, cough and cold tablets or gel caps that are available without a prescription Cough syrup, cough and cold tablets or gel caps that are available without a prescription Also, dextromethorphan can be purchased in a powder form, often over the Internet Also, dextromethorphan can be purchased in a powder form, often over the Internet 3

4 How It Appears

5 What are some of the signs that a person is using DXM? Confusion Confusion Dizziness Dizziness Double or blurred vision Double or blurred vision Slurred speech Slurred speech Impaired physical coordination Impaired physical coordination

6 Some Short-term Effects Abdominal pain Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Nausea and vomiting Rapid heart beat Rapid heart beat Drowsiness Drowsiness Numbness of fingers and toes Numbness of fingers and toes Disorientation Disorientation

7 Some Long-term Effects Can contain other ingredients, such as acetaminophen; when taken in large quantities, can damage the liver Can contain other ingredients, such as acetaminophen; when taken in large quantities, can damage the liver Abused with other drugs or alcohol can increase the dangerous physical effects Abused with other drugs or alcohol can increase the dangerous physical effects

What is the DEA Federal Classification Schedule for DXM? There isn’t a DEA Federal Classification Schedule for DXM. 8

9 What is Pseudo-ephedrine? It is a decongestant ingredient found in a variety of over- the-counter cold and cough medications.

What Does It Look Like? It is found in over-the-counter tablets and capsules. 10

11 How It Appears

12 What are some of the signs that a person is using pseudo-ephedrine? Medically used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold Medically used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold Used as key ingredient for production of methamphetamine Used as key ingredient for production of methamphetamine

13 Some Short and Long-term Effects No short or long-term effects listed by DEA for the abuse of pseudo-ephedrine No short or long-term effects listed by DEA for the abuse of pseudo-ephedrine See those listed for methamphetamine See those listed for methamphetamine

What is the DEA Federal Classification Schedule for pseudo-ephedrine? There isn’t a DEA Federal Classification Schedule for this drug. 14

15 Penalties for Possession Legally sold ingredients in prescription drugs Legally sold ingredients in prescription drugs No penalties listed for either drug No penalties listed for either drug

As a member of CAP, what should you do if you know someone who is abusing non-prescription drugs? Notify one of the following: Deputy Commander for Cadets/Cadet Programs Officer Chaplain/Moral Leadership Officer Unit Commander 16

Why do people abuse either DXM or pseudo-ephedrine? They don’t read the ingredients on over-the- counter medicines. To feel better. They think it won’t hurt them. Just don’t care. Sure, why not? 17

What are some of the ways you can say “No” to drugs without isolating yourself? I want to stay clean, man! I’m scared of what it will do to me. Leave me alone! Forget it, Dude. That’s crazy. Not me! No time, no where, no how! 18

19 Summary DXM can be abused even though it is readily available over the counter. DXM can be abused even though it is readily available over the counter. Pseudo-ephedrine does not have any DEA penalties listed, which can lead one to believe it is not dangerous. Pseudo-ephedrine does not have any DEA penalties listed, which can lead one to believe it is not dangerous. So why would you want to use any form of methamphetamine or any product that is used in making methamphetamine? So why would you want to use any form of methamphetamine or any product that is used in making methamphetamine? Let the world notice you by the good things that you accomplish in life. Let the world notice you by the good things that you accomplish in life.

20 Lesson Plan Resources DXM and Pseudo-ephedrine by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Available on U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Available on

Don’t march with these guys, say NO to drugs! DEAD MEN WALKING 21