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N.J. Senators To Propose DXM Cough Medicine Ban

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Sep 3, 2008 7:17 pm US/Eastern

N.J. Senators To Propose DXM Cough Medicine Ban

Victim Tells CBS 2 HD Of Dangers Of Dextromethorphan

Reporting
Christine Sloan
EDISON, N.J. (CBS) ― Cough syrup is supposed to spell relief for those with a cold. But instead, some teens are using it to get high.

CBS 2 HD has learned about a cough medicine ban two New Jersey lawmakers want to put in place.

Ashley Angelat, 15, almost died from abusing an over-the-counter cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan, or DXM, an ingredient that if taken in large amounts can cause intoxication and even hallucinations.

"As soon as I started throwing up I got really scared 'cause I started feeling like I was going to die," Angelat said.

The Edison teen, who bought the bottles with friends and drank them with caffeine pills, ended up in an intensive care unit.

The abuse of cough medications containing DXM by teens has become a national problem.

Some youngsters even post video of what they call "robotripping" on sites like YouTube.

State Sen. Barbara Buono, D-Middlesex County, is co-sponsoring legislation that would prevent the sale of DXM cough remedies to customers who are under the age of 18 in New Jersey.

"Over three quarter, 75 percent, of all abusers are between the ages of 9 and 17," Buono said.

Drugstores like Walgreens, who voluntarily check for identification, support age restrictions, but some parents think the legislation goes too far.

"I understand alcohol, cigarettes … but cough medicine? It's a little bit of syrup," parent Charlie Scalica said.

But one mother, whose son died of an overdose, supports the bill and said you have to take inventory of your medicine at home and …

"Talk to kids and make sure they're aware of the dangers these drugs can provide," Linda Curks said.

Ashley Angelat's mother agrees, adding, "More importantly don't stick your head in the sand and say it can't happen to you."

Ashley Angelat also had a message for young people.

"Don't be stupid. Don't do what other people tell you," she said.

The senators plan on introducing the legislation in October. If passed, anyone caught selling cough suppressants containing DXM to minors could be fine up to $250.

Second and third offenses would also cost violators between $500 and $1,000.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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