by Laura Diffendal Cough syrup abuse traditionally involved drinking large doses of this product. However, more recently, abuse of tablets and gel capsules has increased. Taking this product in any way other than instructed on the label can result in negative side effects and, in large doses, can cause a Triple C overdose. The longer someone abuses Triple C, the higher the risk of complications — including coma and death. Coricidin Cough & Cold can provide temporary relief from symptoms of colds and upper-respiratory allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Some Coricidin Cough & Cold products are specially for people with high blood pressure.
Symptoms of a DXM overdose include breathing problems, increased body temperature, intense hallucinations, seizures and coma. Triple C’s contain dextromethorphan (DXM), which belongs to the same class of drugs as ketamine. Triple C’s can cause dissociative effects, making them a popular drug of abuse. Because DXM blocks the effects of NMDA glutamate receptors in your brain, large doses of the substance can lead to hallucinations, euphoria, auditory changes, and more. Dextromethorphan (DXM), a key ingredient in many different kinds of cough medicine, cough syrup, and suppressants like Coricidin, is not classified as a narcotic.
Most insurance plans consist of payments through copays, coinsurance, premiums, or deductibles. During your stay here at PAX Memphis Recovery Center we will also provide you the opportunity to express your feelings in both group therapy and individual therapy. PAX Memphis can connect you with a highly-rated addiction treatment center. Triple C’s not only contain dextromethorphan, but they also contain acetaminophen. While acetaminophen is generally safe to take and is available over the counter, taking doses over 4000 mg can lead to significant organ damage.
Laxative Abuse
If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with Triple C’s addiction, it is crucial to encourage them to seek professional help and support. Abusing triple c’s can be dangerous, and long-term use can be life-altering. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we take a whole-person approach to recovery by offering a continuum of care, clinically proven treatments, and holistic healing. Our compassionate, friendly staff is available 24 hours a day to take your call and help you begin your recovery journey. Ultimately, talking to the person who may be using Triple C is likely the best triple cs drug idea.
- This has caused many retail stores to place it behind counters rather than on open shelves.
- Beyond detox, our programs offer essential coping strategies for sustained sobriety.
- Always read the product label for age recommendations and consult a pediatrician for children’s cold and cough relief.
- Unlike other abused drugs, Triple C users need to take several tablets at the same time to get high.
- If you or a loved one abuse over-the-counter drugs like DXM or Triple C’s, help is available.
- Users may develop a tolerance to DXM, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects.
Can Triple Cs Be Fatal – Triple C’s Overdose Risk
Oro Recovery provides compassionate care, combined with evidence-based treatment therapies for people struggling with addiction and mental health. Triple C pills may also interact with other drugs and medication—leading to more severe effects. For example, it’s ill-advised to combine marijuana or alcohol with Dextromethorphan since they all cause drowsiness. Below is detailed information about Triple Cs, including how they look, how long they stay in the body, side effects, risk of overdose, and treatment. If you or your loved one are abusing Triple C or other substances, Zinnia Health can help.
Preventing Triple C’s Addiction: Strategies for Parents and Guardians
Like most OTC drugs, DXM is not governed by the Controlled Substance Act. While they might be less harmful and less potent than illegal street drugs or strictly regulated prescription pharmaceuticals, they carry some risks. DXM can suppress the central nervous system in high doses, leading to respiratory depression. Breathing becomes shallow and less frequent, posing a significant risk of oxygen deprivation. In severe cases, respiratory depression can result in life-threatening situations requiring immediate medical intervention.
Mixing Tramadol and Alcohol
- That’s important, considering just one Maximum Strength CCC pill has 300 mg of acetaminophen.
- If you have questions about your drug use or that of a loved one, please contact one of our treatment advisors at Laguna Shores Recovery today.
- Because its effects can last anywhere from 6-24 hours, there is a risk that a user can overdose, which can lead to coma or death.
- When mixed with DXM in excessive amounts, these substances can lead to harmful, if not fatal, outcomes.
- This equates to consuming an entire box of cold medicine (24 pills) to chase a temporary high with potentially lifelong health effects.
When you abuse dextromethorphan long-term, your brain will begin to rely on the substance to function properly. Once you are dependent on the substance, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking them. Physically, individuals may experience symptoms like intense headaches, nausea, sweating, and extreme fatigue.
They can recommend products that do not contain dextromethorphan (DXM) if you are concerned about misuse. DXM’s dissociative properties can cause hallucinations, altered perceptions, and a sense of detachment from reality. These effects might appeal to some seeking altered states of consciousness, but they can also result in severe confusion, paranoia, and emotional instability. Triple Cs, a colloquial street name for Coricidin HBP Cough and cold, has gained notoriety as a popular over-the-counter medication misused for recreational purposes. While the drug can relieve cold and cough symptoms when used as directed, its misuse carries significant risks and a range of adverse side effects that demand attention. If you notice signs consistent with substance abuse in your teenager or a loved one, it may be time to discuss your concerns.
The substance is safe when taken as instructed, but abusing Coricidin products can result in coma or death. These symptoms highlight the importance of a supportive environment for recovery, especially for adolescents and young adults seeking to break free from Triple C’s grip. Depending on the dose and length of the effects, triple Cs produce a variety of highs. This site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers.
This means that your kids and loved ones have easy access to a hallucinogen that puts their future and lives at risk. It’s also worth considering that the young brain is delicate and drugs may cause lasting harm. The risk of negative side effects may also increase for people with health conditions such as an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, or emphysema.
So the real concern should not be whether you’ll be busted—but on safeguarding your health and finding professional care. Its active ingredient, DXM, interacts with the brain to suppress the cough reflex. This makes the medicine an effective short-term remedy for flu and cold—especially for patients with high blood pressure. Aside from just DXM, Coricidin also contains a combination of acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine.
Signs and Symptoms of Triple C’s Addiction
At Wellness Retreat Recovery Center, we understand the complexities of substance abuse and the unique challenges posed by over-the-counter drug misuse. Our facility in San Jose, California, offers a comprehensive approach to treatment, including specialized addiction treatment for young adults. In large doses, dextromethorphan (DXM), the active ingredient in Triple C’s, acts on the brain in a way that can produce psychoactive effects. DXM is a dissociative anesthetic, which can create a sense of detachment or separation from the environment and self. It affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly impacting the areas that regulate perception and behavior.
But even when a medication is available over the counter, it can still be dangerous if it is misused. One common type of over-the-counter drug that is frequently abused is cold and cough medications. When people talk about Triple C, they’re referring to the Coricidin Cough & Cold brand of medicine.
Triple C Effects
DXM abuse can also produce scary hallucinations, feelings of being trapped, and extreme confusion. Since triple c’s are sold in stores without a prescription, young people often view them as a safer, cheaper alternative to illicit street drugs. These are dosed in 2.5-10mg and are intended, in low doses, to reduce the effects of congestion and coughing. However, in large doses, they cause hallucinations, euphoria, auditory changes, and changes in the sense of gravity. “High” users may describe sensations of floating and disassociation, like “living in a dream”. It is important to note that Triple C addiction is a serious concern that requires professional treatment.
Acetaminophen is a painkiller that can cause liver damage when taken in high doses. This popular brand of cough and cold medicine is widely available and can be purchased at nearly any drugstore or grocery store. It’s important to note that the experience can vary widely among individuals, and some may not have a pleasant experience. Large doses of DXM may cause anxiety, confusion, or dysphoria (a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life).
Combining Coricidin HBP with other medications, especially those with similar active ingredients like dextromethorphan (DXM), can increase the risk of adverse effects and overdose. When individuals misuse or unintentionally wrongly use Triple Cs, they typically ingest the medication in quantities far exceeding the recommended dose. The excessive intake of DXM, in particular, leads to its dissociative effects, making users feel disconnected from reality and potentially inducing hallucinations. These effects can appeal to some seeking altered states of consciousness, which is why Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold is often used recreationally. People consuming half a pack of triple C’s or cold medicine pills easily exceed their daily limit of acetaminophen, putting themselves at significant risk for severe liver damage.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an addiction to Triple C and is interested in evidence-based treatment, call us today to learn about our recovery programs. Illegal Triple C that is sold on the street can pose even more concerns, as it can be produced in a contaminated facility or combined with other drugs and dangerous additives. When DXM is taken with alcohol and/or other drugs, it exacerbates the risks. However, when DXM is abused, side effects can be uncomfortable, dangerous, and possibly fatal. DXM medication has been around since 1958, when it was created as a non-addictive substitute for codeine, and comes in the form of pills, powder, capsules, and cough syrup.