title: Cough syrup psychosis.
abstract: Over-the-counter medications are widely accessible and used. Cough suppressant syrups contain dextromethorphan (DM), which has the potential to be abused, with resultant psychiatric symptoms. This case report describes a young woman presenting with psychotic mania secondary to DM abuse. We also describe the treatment of this toxidrome and include the results of a literature search on this topic. The recognition of cough syrup as an agent of abuse and its toxidrome is important. This will facilitate early diagnostic clarification and promote efficient treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. alfiamaladoss@yahoo.ca
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amaladoss
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000996:Antitussive Agents; D003915:Dextromethorphan