subject: Cough Medication Dependency And Its Side Effects [print this page] Cough medications or cough syrups can be very addictive if used inappropriately. Dextromethorphan is the element in a cough medication which could trigger addiction or dependency. A dissociative narcotic like dextromethorphine suppresses heavy to mild coughing but its severe effects are generally blocking impulses to the brain which gives a person a dream like experience. Cough syrup addiction is typical among young adults due to the fact that they are able to purchase the medication very easily. This is not an illegal drug or a prescription drug, it is an over the counter cough medicine which can be found in just about any pharmacy.
There are different side effects for people who have cough syrup abuse; some would feel like they may be floating while others can't figure out which is real and which of it a figment of their imagination. One really dangerous effect happens when cough medication is combined with alcoholic beverages. This can result in a drop in heart rate and motor skills where if continued on to higher doses could cause death. Cough medication should never be combined with other central nervous system depressants like sleeping pills and pain medications; this will cause similar reactions as with its mixture to alcohol.
Long term adverse reactions of such robitussin abuse may result in having urinary problems in which a person is not able to pee or can only urinate a small quantity over a period of time. Among the worst negative effects it can bring is minor memory gaps or loss of memory. This is a severe adverse reaction that could either be immediately treated or would undergo a serious treatment method to prevent even further brain damage. Individuals who display signs and symptoms of difficulty concentrating or psychological confusion should instantly see a doctor. These are the early symptoms of the long term effects that cough medication addiction can bring.
For individuals using this drug moderately, they could just cease its intake immediately if and when they believe that they are becoming dependent on it. However for those who have abused this medicine for a long time, the most suitable choice of treatment is with a rehabilitation program or enrolling in a treatment center. The addictive properties of this medication are similar to that of pain killers and anxiety medications but in much smaller doses. Though it is an over the counter medicine it does not mean that it's not dangerous and addictive if utilized without the proper guidance from a physician
