Politics & Government
New California Cough Medicine Law, Good or Bad?
The new law requires minors to acquire a prescription to buy any over-the-counter drug containing destromethorphan. Take our poll.
A new California law that went into effect on Jan. 1 requiring minors to acquire a prescription to buy any over-the-counter drug containing destromethorphan is causing a stir.
DXM, Triple C’s, DEX, and OTC are just some of the nicknames adolescents are using for over-the-counter drugs containing destromethorphan, a popular ingredient in many cough medications including Robitussin, Nyquil and Dimetapp. Over-the-Counter drugs are a popular way for teens to get high because of the low price and accessibility. But now it may be a little harder for adolescents to get their hands on these drugs.
More than 125 different products such as syrups, tablets, tongue strips and even cough drops containing DXM. According to the California Poison Control System, 6.9 percent of 12th graders have tried using the drug and in 2006 there were more than 300 reports of kids ages 9-17 abusing Dextromethorphan.
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The Risks
When users take a higher than the recommended dose of Destromethorphan, it is classified as a dissociative hallucinogenic similar to other drugs such as Ketamine and PCP. Users may experience dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination and effects of euphoria. When combining the drug with alcohol or other drugs, it can lead to overdose and even death.
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Avid users will experience flashback, fatigue, constipation and insomnia. It could also lead to psychosis and other permanent physiological problems.
What Laguna Niguel Residents Think
“It's good that over-the-counter drugs are being regulated now so that kids won’t be able to abuse the products. Kids aren’t aware of the dangerous side effects of taking these drugs,” said Chris Martinez, 19.
“If kids under the age of 18 have to take a cough medicine, their parent or someone else should probably know about it. If it saves lives, I don’t have a problem with it,” said Pascal Staeheli, 20.
"The last thing we need is more government regulation. It costs money to go to the doctor to get a prescription and not all children have parents that are around all of the time. So what if I kid gets sick, needs some cough medicine to help get him through the day but his parents aren't around?" asked Devin Lari, 20.
"As if it wasn't already bad enough with kids asking me to buy them beer and cigarettes. Now I have to worry about sick kids asking me to buy them cough medicine before I go inside a store," said Tod William, 46.
What do you think about the new law? Take our poll or tell us in comments.
