Ostre zatrucia dekstrometorfanem wśród nastolatków

The recreational usage of dextromethorphan has become increasing in adolescents in Poland. In this article we describe the clinical course of acute dextromethorphan (DXM) in 15 poisoned patients, aged between 13.5 and 17 years that have been treated in the hospital SPDSK in Warsaw since 1 september 2009 to 31 december 2011. We analysed isolate and cumulative drug use. The doses of DXM ranged from 150-900 mg; mean 6.0 ± 2.9 mg/kg (range: 2.66-15.0 mg/kg). In the course of DXM intoxication the most frequent symptom was somia (62.55%), papillary dilation (56.25%), hypoactivity (50%), contact depression (43.75%), tachycardia (31.25%). More rare were observed: dysartria (12.5%), hyperactivity (12.5%), depression (6.25%), impaired motoric coordination (6.25%), nausea and vomiting (6.25%). 6 patients had presented self-destructive behavior: 4 suicide attempts and 3 self-mutilations. All the patients were treated symptomatically. They recovered without sequelae and were discharged after 2-7 days of hospitalization. All of them were taken psychological/psychiatric care. Pediatricians should take care to reduce availability of DXM without medical prescription of this drug.