Euphoria, commonly known as “high” is a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness, it is an amplification of pleasure, a phase where one’s essential biological needs appear to be satisfied.
Euphoria is associated with many classes of addictive drugs and it is linked with the brain reward system. Drugs of abuse have in common the fact that they serve as biological rewards. They do so because of their ability to activate endogenous brain circuitry.
Drugs that cause euphoria activate the brain’s reward center by triggering the release of the brain chemical dopamine which surges, like waves producing a high in the process. After repeated hits, the brain adjusts to this higher level of dopamine by making less of it and by reducing the number of receptors that can receive and transmit the signals it sends.
Having too much dopamine or too much dopamine concentrated in some parts of the brain and not enough in other parts is linked to being more competitive, aggressive, and having poor impulse control. It can lead to conditions that include ADHD, binge eating, addiction, and gambling.
What is Robitussin?
Robitussin is an expectorant containing mainly dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth. Robitussin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.
These symptoms include coughs, sneezes, sore throats, chest congestion, itchy eyes and throats, stuffy noses, runny noses, headaches, fever, and body aches. Robitussin is available in targeted cough and multi-symptom formulas for both adults and children for daytime or nighttime usage.
In recent years, inspired by the needs of consumers, the brand launched two category-enhancing products: Robitussin Honey, the only cough and cold brand* that combines effective cough and multi-symptom relief powered by medicine plus certified real honey. And now, the brand has launched Robitussin Naturals, a 100% drug-free suite of dietary supplement products.
How should Robitussin be taken?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Take Robitussin with food if it upsets your stomach.
Measure the liquid form of Robitussin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a controlled-release, delayed-release, or extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Can you get high on Robitussin?
Yes, Robitussin can get you high if you take 10 times more than the recommended dose. The amount of Robitussin a person requires to feel high can also depend on their body weight. There are usually several stages of Robitussin intoxication, depending on how much you take. Effects can range from a mild “buzz” to an “out-of-body” feeling to hallucinations, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble urinating paranoia, and aggression.
People misuse Robitussin in several ways. Traditionally, Robitussin misuse involved drinking large amounts. There are many different terms for misusing Robitussin, such as:
• robotripping
• skittling
• dexing
• robodosing
• robofizzing
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Side effects of Robitussin
Most people tolerate Robitussin when they take it at recommended doses. But in some cases, side effects can happen. Some of these side effects are more common than others, though all of them are rare. They can happen even when you use Robitussin at the recommended dosage. But more often, they happen when you use too much.
Common side effects
The more common side effects of the Robitussin can include:
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
These are the most common side effects reported with Robitussin, but they are still rare. Most people will not experience these side effects unless the dosage of guaifenesin is higher than what’s typically recommended.
If you do experience stomach-related side effects, try taking Robitussin with food. This may help decrease your symptoms.
Serious side effects
There are serious side effects associated with the use of Robitussin. As with any drug, there’s always the risk of an allergic reaction. You should not take any Robitussin product if you already know you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
A rash on your skin, swelling of your tongue or lips, and trouble breathing can all be symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you notice these symptoms after you take Robitussin, contact your doctor right away. If you feel that these symptoms are life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
Side effects from overuse
You may also experience side effects if you take too much Robitussin. Kidney stones are the biggest risk of taking too much for an extended period. Symptoms of kidney stones include:
• extreme pain that won’t go away in your back or side
• blood in your urine
• fever and chills
• vomiting
• urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
• a burning feeling when you urinate
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
