Question

Write a paragraph with a short background on the topic and at least three reasons supporting whether DXM (dextromethorphan) should be prescription only or if DXM should NOT be prescription only.

Answer 1

Dextromethorphan should be a prescription-

Dextromethorphan is a medication most often used as a cough suppressant in over-the-counter cold and cough medicines.As It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

It Belongs to Opoid Class of Drug as it possesses only a minimal degree of the mu-opioid receptor activity typical of morphinan compounds.

The primary use of dextromethorphan is as a cough suppressant, for the temporary relief of cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation (such as commonly accompanies the flu and common cold), as well as those resulting from inhaled particle irritants.

Dextromethorphan can also be used for  the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (uncontrollable laughing/crying).Dextromethorphan is the actual therapeutic agent in the combination; quinidine merely serves to inhibit the enzymatic degradation of dextromethorphan and thereby increase its circulating concentrations via inhibition of CYP2D6.

Dextromethorphan may reduce the overall discomfort and duration of withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder. When combined with clonidine, dextromethorphan reduced the overall time needed for withdrawal symptoms to peak by 24 hours while reducing severity of symptoms compared to clonidine alone.