title: Suicidal and homicidal behaviors related to dextromethorphan abuse in a middle-aged woman.
abstract: Over-the-counter medications available without prescriptions are generally viewed safe for public consumption. However, when used in excess, these medications can lead to adverse consequences. There are multiple over-the-counter medications that have potential for abuse, and dextromethorphan is one such drug. We describe a case of a middle-aged woman who presented to the psychiatric emergency service after recent use of excessive amounts of dextromethorphan. The patient had developed severe psychotic symptoms and had attempted to kill both herself and her relative. This case highlights the importance of careful reviewing of both prescribed and nonprescribed medications that are being used by patients, especially in the emergency care setting.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA. dmodi@lsuhsc.edu
authors: Dhruv
authors: D
authors: Modi
authors: Ravikumar
authors: R
authors: Bhalavat
authors: James C
authors: JC
authors: Patterson
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000996:Antitussive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003915:Dextromethorphan; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine