Beginner’s Guide to DXM

Beginner's Guide to DXM (dextromethorphan)



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 Dextromethorphan FAQ, and the long list of them. Dextromethorphan 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 Dextromethorphan FAQ" located here. William White’s Dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan used recreationally. The Dextromethorphan FAQ has just about everything you could want to know about dextromethorphan, and likely more. Also, I do NOT mean to suggest or recommend that anyone attempt recreational usage of dextromethorphan. 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 dextromethorphan recreationally, you are responsible for checking whether or not such use is legal in whatever jurisdiction you are in.

What is DXM (dextromethorphan)?

The application for a patent on DXM was first filed in 1949, and it was approved for sale in the United States by the FDA in 1958. DXM is in a class of drugs known as dissociative anaesthetics. Many of these have powerful psychedelic effects at sufficiently high doses. Coincidentally, Dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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, dextromethorphan at recreational doses will likely be an unpleasant, psychotic nightmare. Other reasons are that the effects of dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan are not really like any other psychedelic 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 is significantly different than that. The effects of dextromethorphan tend to be substantially different than other psychedelics, such as those in the serotonergic subclass (LSD, magic mushrooms, DMT, etc.) Drugs in both the dissociative anaesthetic subclass and the serotonergic subclass make you hallucinate and alter your states of consciousness, but in qualitatively different ways.

Who should NOT use DXM (dextromethorphan)?

This is complex, but there are many for whom recreational dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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, dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan and MDMA are taken together in a temperature controlled setting with no exercise, 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.

NEW WARNING ABOUT TAKING DXM WITH MAGNESIUM. Gravol, the editor of "The DXM Zine, has reported a case where an 18 year old male took 1,000 mg or possibly more of DXM with an unknown amount of a magnesium supplement that he took because he believed this would potentiate the DXM. He experienced severe seizures, and also had liver damage. Whether the magnesium had anything to do with this is unknown. However, I'd say best to assume the worst case scenario that trying to potentiate DXM with magnesium is unsafe.

NEVER use DXM if pregnant or nursing a baby. 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.

*****Also, NEVER use dextromethorphan if you suffer from any mental illness. DXM most definitely tends to exaggerate the symptoms of any mental disorder. DXM at hypermedical doses is known for being psychotomimetic (causing psychosis-like symptoms), so definitely it should NOT be taken if you suffer from any psychotic mental illness, such as schizophrenia. SPECIAL WARNING: DXM tends to amplify ones mood. Not necessarily a bad thing if you are in a happy mood. However, if you are depressed, DXM will tend to make the depression worse. Recently, there has been a charlatan on the Internet making absurd claims that DXM is an effective antidepressant. Utter rubbish, and there is absolutely no credible scientific evidence to back up such absurd, irresponsible, and dangerous claims. If you suffer from depression, then contact a competent medical professional for treatment. Do NOT try self-prescribing DXM to treat your depression based on the claims of Internet kooks who portray DXM as being some snake-oil "cure" for depression. Prescribing drugs for treatment of mental disorder should be left to competent medical professionals, and not kooks who suggest drug therapies for mental illnesses on the Internet.*****

Recreational Effects of DXM (dextromethorphan).

DXM is peculiar in that unlike most drugs, where higher doses just cause stronger effects, dextromethorphan is different. For most people, dextromethorphan 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. Dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan enjoyable, while others don’t. This is true not only for DXM, but lots of other drugs. One example, which actually is related to dextromethorphan, 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 dextromethorphan. 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 CEVs, 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan at third plateau levels before, and have done so with positive outcomes. Even in that case, considering the known risks of dextromethorphan 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 (dextromethorphan).

These "plateaus" refer mainly to the mental ("tripping") effects of dextromethorphan, and what can be expected at various doses. They don’t really apply to the physical effects of dextromethorphan. Basically, as dose of dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan.


Special warning about possible brain damage from DXM (dextromethorphan) use.

If you read the Olney’s lesion section report of the Dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan 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.

One additional comment I'd like to make here. While I do believe that some people have suffered brain damage from heavy usage/abuse of DXM, personally I am not convinced that the mechanism is necessarily Olney's lesions. Olney's lesions is definitely one possibility, but it is quite possible that something else is happening. There really hasn't been any laboratory testing of high doses of DXM in animal models, and this lack of data doesn't help. Amongst the possibilities, it occurs to me that since high doses of DXM cause respiratory depression, hypoxia to the brain leading to damage could be an issue. However, while the mechanism isn't clear, there are just too many reports suggestive of brain damage from doing DXM at high recreational doses that they are hard to ignore.

Warning: Recreational DXM use has already killed some people!

YES, recreational dextromethorphan use could kill you, and already has resulted in quite a few deaths that I can confirm. Check out the deaths sections listed on the home page of this site, and also on the home page of the Coricidin (Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine Maleate) Harm Reduction Website for more details.


So, I know the risks, and still want to use DXM recreationally. Now what?

OK. You’ve read William White’s Dextromethorphan FAQ, and about all those nasty things like ending up in a mental hospital after a psychotic break on dextromethorphan, 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 dextromethorphan only pills are sold in your country. If you are this fortunate, those are what you’d want to take. In the US, there are several liquicaps that contain dextromethorphan as the only active ingredient. One is sold under the name Dexalone, and is a liquicap that has 30 mg DXM each. It tends to be very hard to find, and expensive if you do find it. One way of getting these is ask at a pharmacy for them to special order them for you. Most pharmacies can easily do this. They need to be able to get just about any drug sold because doctors at times prescribe things they don't stock. Typically it'll be available at the pharmacy for you within 2 days. There also is sold today Robitussin CoughGels, which each contain 15 mg DXM. These tend to be easier to find. However, US DXMers typically 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 Robitussin "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 than Vick's 44. 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 typical recreational use. (Advanced DXM users sometimes do find suitable recreational uses for this, though.) NEVER, EVER drink a cough syrup that is NOT a DXM only one. Make sure there are 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 (which is in NyQuil, along with some other brands of cough syrup) 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 temporarily 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 dextromethorphan only syrups. In that case, you will have to extract the dextromethorphan, 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 dextromethorphan in a harmful matter. There have already been a significant number of documented deaths from Coricidin abuse, and MANY hospitalizations. Coricidin at high doses is very dangerous and quite possibly deadly. See the Coricidin (Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine Maleate) Harm Reduction Website for more information about Coricidin. And also the Coricidin [DXM (dextromethorphan) + chlorpheniramine maleate] warning on this site, along with the home page, for possible updates.

Once you have a dextromethorphan 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 kg. 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 dextromethorphan 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 dextromethorphan, 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.

Note about smoking DXM: since this question pops up on the Internet a lot, I am adding an answer in this document. NO, YOU CANNOT SMOKE DXM! The Material Safety Data Sheet for DXM clearly states when burned it decomposes into toxic substances. Which for obvious reasons makes DXM something you don't want to try and smoke. William White seemed to be unaware of this when he mentions the possibility of smoking DXM in the FAQ. He comments while it is possible to smoke DXM, it is so unpleasant likely you wouldn't want to do it. It is more than unpleasant; doing so would be dangerous to your health.

[sp4zzj4zz]

sorry, but Im about giving props where they are due...and Robert certainly deserves his cred for this one

[billbong]

Good info. if you are interested in dissociatives check out the ketamine faq.

I found this trip report bout the sigma plateau, so if your thinkin about it u can get a rough idea of the posible intensity. Obiously if it's your first time take a much smaller dose.

Some friends and I decided to try a high level of DXM, being DXM veterans. We have done alot of research in the past and DXM is relatively safe when taking less than 2400mg. However you need to be stable minded and have a positive emotional and mental outlook when using high levels of it. Otherwise you can have a bad and even terrifying trip.

Being in the right state of mind we had a extremely amazing time. We did not take it all at once we took about half to start and then a quarter of it at 1hour and 2hours after starting. We were at the 4th plateu level very quickly after starting. About 45min after the last dose we reached the sigma plateau.

Now even though we took quite a bit to reach it we found out later that you don't need any more than you would to reach the 4th plateau. The trick is your attitude and spacing out the doses over a couple of hours. Well on this particular night we were transported to a different world when ever we turned off the lights. The first time I turned them off was accidental but I was instantly transported from the 15ft square room to a huge airport terminal.

We have had experiences like this before but only when laying down and meditating during 4th plateu trips. This time we were up and about and interacting with eachother in a whole new setting. The airport was amazing. It looked like it was about a mile long with high glass ceilings and 5 levels. The center of certain parts we're open so you could look all the way down to the bottom level from the top. It was so real that I almost believed I was really there. There were people of all cultures filling the airport and my friends and I could interact with them. Eventually a pilot told me to turn the ligh on. I automatically reached back and flipped the light on. We were right back in the room we started in.

We did this many times and each time after about 15min someone would tell me to turn the light on and I would, bringing us back to reality. We were brough to many places from large redwood forests, to Old English gardens, to Exotic Cities. It was all very beautiful and peaceful. This is where the right frame of mind comes in big. You can reach the sigma plateau simply by spacing out the doses, but where you go depends upon your frame of mind.

We had a friend that was depressed try it and she kept finding herself in dungeons and said we were turning into demons. We had to go into another room to enjoy our trip while she stayed in a lighted room all night.

Another thing we discovered that night was if you go into a very small room, closet, or armoire and make it dark the very small space becomes an extremely large one. I don't recommend using as much Coricidin as we did unless you are very experienced and do not have a heart condition as the other active ingredient in Coricidin (Chlorpheniramine) causes your heart to race and has caused death in a user with a heart condition. Otherwise I highly recommend experiencing the sigma plateau.

[clide]

I have a question on dosage. if i take 160mg of DXM HBr and i weigh 60kg

(That's 2.6666666666666666666666666666667 mg / kg)
( sheeee-it!)
(UH HEH .....2.67mg/kg)

will i be able to get a seccond platuae effect ? or if you can't tell for shure then is there a good chance that it will happen, or should i go buy another bottle tommmorow and postpone my trip?
any experts here......?

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by clide

I have a question on dosage. if i take 160mg of DXM HBr and i weigh 60kg

(That's 2.6666666666666666666666666666667 mg / kg)
( sheeee-it!)
(UH HEH .....2.67mg/kg)

will i be able to get a seccond platuae effect ? or if you can't tell for shure then is there a good chance that it will happen, or should i go buy another bottle tommmorow and postpone my trip?
any experts here......?

It's possible, but I really doubt it. I would say you need at least 3.5-7 mg to really feel those effects. Everyone is different though. Basically it's impossible to tell for sure, but I think your chances are slim. If this is your first time 2.6 mg/kg is a nice start; but if your looking for a good second plateau trip, get another bottle.

This guide from the DXM FAQ helped SWIM alot when he first started. http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/dxm/...perience.shtml (see section 5.1).

On a side note, what exactly are you taking? 160 mg in a bottle seems pretty low, I know it is sold around here in 118 ml bottles with 15mg/5ml (3mg/ml), which comes to 354 mg per bottle. Definetly a better buy in terms of price per mg, if syrup is your thing.

[clide]

thanks 4 tha advice. i got vicks 44 dry cough 15mg DXM/20 ml and 120ml bottle. total 160mg DXM . I live in South Africa so i don't no if they sell robo here . do they ?

[Sitbcknchill]

Umm if you live in South Africa wouldn't you know yourself if they sold robo...I mean you do live there...are you oblivious to everything?

[Aaron]

I have never left my own continent, let alone all the way to South Africa, so I really couldn't tell you. Go to the store and find out I guess.

[Muirner]

Originally Posted by clide

thanks 4 tha advice. i got vicks 44 dry cough 15mg DXM/20 ml and 120ml bottle. total 160mg DXM . I live in South Africa so i don't no if they sell robo here . do they ?

it might be hard for him to know. does anyone remember his last post, about taking way to much benedryl and almost dieing...

My advice again clide, get away from the vicks, i hear the menthol (that's in there right... hmmm) makes things suck, and it tastes like ass on the second taste (ya know pukin)

Muirner

To clide: this is a little side note. I come back after posting that you took dipenhydramine, and you have posted so much shit, that you got my topic closed... I take personal offence to this, for real. Make your points in a logical, way, not spaced out with 4 lines between everything... You silly fuck. And you clearly did state in that story that you took dipenhydramine, so that is OBVIOUSLY WHAT I'M GOING TO COMMENT ON YOU FUCKTARD. GET YOUR HEAD OUTA YOUR ASS YOU ASSHAT GRRRRRR FUCKER!

[highganja99]

SWIM took magnesium with DXM by accident because SWIM had been on magnesium supplements for some months, 1500mg DXM and 200mg Magnesium, SWIM had Severe Facial Edema which also covered the skull,blurred vision,severe headache and liver damage. DO NOT TRY TO POTENTIATE DXM WITH MAGNESIUM. SWIM was lucky that SWIM had taken 1 supplement as SWIM would say any more could have killed SWIM and in no way did magnesium make the experience any better just worse. DON'T DO IT. THANKS FOR YOUR REPORT SWIM READ IT AFTER SWIM SUFFERED FROM THIS AND STOPPED TAKING THE MAGNESIUM. YOUR REPORT SAVED SWIM's LIFE. THANK YOU.

South africa? SWIM says go to a pharmacy and ask for Romilar Tablets. 300mg per box.
SWIM says Two boxes and your tripping, 3 boxes ever better but watch out and stay away from four or more boxes.

[Sushi]

Originally Posted by billbong

Some friends and I decided to try a high level of DXM, being DXM veterans. We have done alot of research in the past and DXM is relatively safe when taking less than 2400mg. However you need to be stable minded and have a positive emotional and mental outlook when using high levels of it. Otherwise you can have a bad and even terrifying trip.

I know this is very old thread and billbong is banned already but would like to point out anyway that the way it was voiced it might suggest that ingesting let's say 2350mg of DXM is "relatively safe" while it's definitely not.

There is absolutely no need for anyone to take that much. Depending on weight for some creatures it's way past estimated toxicity level of DXM which is 25 to 30 mg/kg and for others ingesting such a huge amount of DXM can result in a fatal overdose. Not just in a bad trip, unpleasant or terrifying experience. LD50 for DXM starts at about 2000mg AFAIK.