Triple C Drug Effects (Robotripping)

What is Triple C (Robotripping)?

Triple C is otherwise known as dextromethorphan (DXM). Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant, found in cold medicine. The medicine helps to ease coughing due to a cold, flu, or another illness.

Dextromethorphan belongs to the medication class called antitussives. It is available alone or mixed in products with other medications, including antihistamines and decongestants.

Some products containing just dextromethorphan include:

• Delsym
• Robitussin
• 12-Hour Cough Relief
• Vicks DayQuil Cough

Several brands have various products that contain dextromethorphan blended with other medications. These brands include:

• Mucinex
• Tylenol
• Sudafed
• Theraflu
• Vicks

Dextromethorphan abuse is sometimes referred to as robotripping or skittling. These terms come from the most abused products, Robitussin, and Coricidin.

Street Names

Other street names for Triple C include:

• DXM
• CCC
• Skittles
• Robo
• Poor Man’s PCP

How Is Triple C Used?

The typical dose of dextromethorphan is 15 or 30 mg three to four times daily. The anti-coughing effects of the drug continue for five to six hours after oral use. When taken as directed by a doctor or medical professional, side effects are rarely reported.

Triple C is often abused in large doses by adolescents. A high dose of Triple C can lead to euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations.

Dextromethorphan is usually taken orally as liquid cough medicine. More recently, abuse of Triple C tablets and gel capsules has increased.

DMX abusers also use Triple C powder sold over the internet. Likewise, Triple C is distributed in illegally manufactured tablets. These tablets contain just dextromethorphan or are mixed with other illegal drugs like ecstasy or methamphetamine.

Side Effects of Triple C

Triple C can provide side effects and symptoms, especially when taken in high doses.

Side effects of Triple C include:

Triple C Abuse & Addiction Potential

People of all ages use Triple C, but abuse by teenagers and young adults is common. This abuse results from the easy access to Triple C and the extensive information available on how to abuse Triple C across various websites.

The powdered form of Triple C on the internet poses additional risks of abuse, due to the uncertainty of the dose and composition of the drug.

When ingested, Triple C abusers may experience a heightened sense of perceptual awareness. Users may also report altered time perception and visual hallucinations. In high doses, the effects of Triple C are similar to drugs like ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP).

Abuse of combination dextromethorphan products can also lead to health complications from the other active ingredients in the solution. These health complications can include:

• Increased blood pressure from pseudoephedrine
• Delayed liver damage from acetaminophen
• Central nervous system toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, and anticholinergic toxicity from antihistamines

When combined with alcohol or other drugs, high doses of Triple C are particularly dangerous. Deaths have been reported from such combinations.

Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter medicine. However, it shows the potential for addiction and a high potential for abuse.

74.5% of dextromethorphan abusers reported to the California Poison Control System (CPCS) were aged nine to seventeen years old. The average age was 16 years old.

Dextromethorphan Abuse in Adolescence, Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 2006

Addiction Prevention & Treatment Options

Most users do not become addicted to Triple C. However, robotripping is unsafe. Regular use of Triple C can lead individuals to develop a severe substance use disorder.

Anyone struggling with a Triple C substance use disorder should visit their doctor or a healthcare professional for treatment advice. Substance addiction is a chronic disease. If left untreated, it can lead to disability or death.

Other substances are often misused along with Triple C, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complicated. However, traditional methods of treatment of substance use disorders can help individuals learn to manage their addiction and to avoid relapse.

Rehabilitation

The most effective way to address substance addiction is to attend rehab. Cognitive-behavioral therapy at a rehab medical facility can help people change their views and behaviors towards Triple C.

Contingency management is a reward-based scheme that can also help Triple C abusers overcome their addiction.

Mental Health Treatment

Substance abuse disorders and mental illness often coincide. People abusing Triple C may have co-occurring mental illnesses. These mental health disorders may include depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health problems.

All individuals receiving treatment for Triple C addiction should undergo a thorough assessment to evaluate for any co-occurring mental health disorders.

People experiencing both a mental illness and a substance use disorder often experience more severe and persistent symptoms. These symptoms can be more resistant to treatment than in people who have just one illness or the other.

Antipsychotic or antidepressant medications may be prescribed to alleviate any mental health disorders.

FAQs — Common Questions & Concerns

Here are some common questions and concerns relating to Triple C: