title: "Crystal dex:" free-base dextromethorphan.
abstract: Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common component of combination cold medications that has become a popular drug of abuse for young adults. Abusers of DXM have developed a simple acid-base extraction technique to "free-base," or extract, the DXM from the unwanted guaifenesin, coloring agents, sweeteners, and alcohol that are typically included in combination cold preparations. We report a case of DXM overdose after ingestion of this purified "Crystal Dex" and discuss the "Agent Lemon" and single-phase extraction techniques that are used to free-base the dextromethorphan.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201-3098, USA.
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hendrickson
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Cloutier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000506:poisoning*; D005591:Chemical Fractionation / Q000379:methods*; D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D006140:Guaifenesin / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
chemical_list: D000996:Antitussive Agents; D012997:Solvents; D006140:Guaifenesin; D003915:Dextromethorphan