How Long Does DXM Stay in Your System?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant used in various over-the-counter cough and cold medicines.[1] While it can be a safe and effective way to alleviate coughs, many people abuse it to experience mind-altering effects. When used in high doses, DXM can cause dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

If you or a loved one abuse DXM, you might be wondering how long it stays in your system. The half-life of dextromethorphan is 2 to 4 hours, which means your body can eliminate it within 20 hours.[2] That said, it leaves behind metabolites in your urine, blood, saliva, and hair that can be detected for a longer period when drug tests are used.

When you are addicted to dextromethorphan, suddenly stopping the use of it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Knowing how long DXM stays in your system can prepare you for withdrawal and indicate when you need to enter a medical detox program.

In this article, you will learn:

• What dextromethorphan is
• How long drug tests can detect DXM
• Whether DXM can lead to withdrawal symptoms

What is DXM?

Dextromethorphan or DXM is the active ingredient found in several OTC medications indicated for cough and cold treatment. For example, medicines like Nyquil. Robitussin, Mucinex DM, and Tylenol Cold and Cough contain DXM.

DXM is considered an NMDA receptor antagonist, which means it can reduce the intensity and frequency of coughs by inhibiting signals that trigger the cough reflex.[2] This is why it is so effective as an ingredient in cough syrups.

That said, when taken in high doses, dextromethorphan produces effects similar to PCP and ketamine. If you abuse DXM, you could experience the following symptoms:[1]

• Euphoria and changes in mood
• Altered sensory perceptions
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Detachment from your body and environment
• Impulsivity or decision-making issues
• Increased sociability or intense feelings of empathy
• Impaired memory and coordination
• Confusion and disorientation
• Decreased blood pressure and slowed heart rate
• Dilated pupils and slurred speech
• Restlessness, paranoia, or aggression

Using DXM in high doses increases the risk of overdose. Because of this, if you or a loved one abuse dextromethorphan, you should seek help from an addiction treatment program.

How Long Does DXM Stay in Your System?

The effects of DXM begin within 30 to 60 minutes of consuming it. You can continue to experience side effects for up to 6 hours after your last dose. However, dextromethorphan remains detectable by drug tests for longer periods.

The amount of time that dextromethorphan stays in your system depends on what type of drug test is being used. Hair and urine tests offer the longest windows of detection, while blood and saliva tests have shorter detection times.

Urine

Urine tests are the most commonly used drug tests because they are reliable and minimally invasive. They are often used in a wide variety of settings, including pre-employment drug screening, probation offices, drug rehab centers, and more.

Drug tests can detect DXM in urine for 3 to 7 days after your last dose. If you have been abusing DXM long-term, you might test positive for longer than a week.

Blood

Blood tests are less common because they are invasive, requiring a blood draw. Additionally, they offer a shorter window of detection than urine tests. That said, they might be used in hospital settings to determine if DXM is contributing to your symptoms.

Blood tests can detect dextromethorphan for 1 to 2 days after you last used it.

Saliva

Saliva tests also offer a short window of detection. However, they are convenient for police officers conducting field sobriety tests.

Saliva tests can find DXM in your system for 2 to 3 days after your last dose.

Hair

Lastly, hair tests provide the longest window of detection when compared to all other types of drug screening tools. Despite this, they can offer unreliable results because they discriminate based on things like hair color. For this reason, medical professionals do not use hair testing often.

DXM can be detected in your hair follicles for up to 90 days after you last used it.

Can DXM Cause Withdrawal?

DXM abuse can lead to a variety of adverse side effects, including hallucinations, a detachment from reality, and life-threatening overdoses. They can also cause you to develop a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome.[3]

Another risk of abusing DXM is withdrawal. Once you become addicted to dextromethorphan, suddenly stopping the use of it will lead to withdrawal symptoms like:[4]

• Depression and anxiety
• Irritability and mood swings
• Cravings for DXM
• Fatigue
• Lack of energy and motivation
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Dehydration
• Headaches

Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 to 48 hours after your last dose of DXM. Withdrawal can last for up to 2 weeks, making it incredibly important that you have medical support.

If you are addicted to dextromethorphan and want to quit, you should seek help from a medical detox center. These programs can provide you with the treatment and medication you need to overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably.

Find Help for DXM Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from DXM addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, we can connect you with a medical detox program, inpatient rehab, or an outpatient addiction treatment center. Whatever level of care you need, we can help you find a reputable facility to attend.

If you or a loved one need addiction resources for drug and alcohol dependency or co-occurring mental health disorders across New Jersey along with the entire Tri-State area, contact our certified interventionists for a confidential, free, non-biased assessment of how we can help an addicted family member or friend.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help you find treatment for dextromethorphan addiction.

References:

1. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): DXM
2. Science Direct: Dextromethorphan
3. Taylor and Francis Online: Dextromethorphan-induced serotonin syndrome
4. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Dextromethorphan withdrawal and dependence syndrome