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Questions about Coricidin

My fiance is an addict..whether he'll admit it or not, he can't/won't stop stealing/buying Coricidin or any other form of dextro. It is to the point where I am ready to take our daughter and leave. While he is on the Coricidin he is the nicest person in the world, but as soon as he is out, he turns into a monster. He gets a very short temper and spazzes at the smallest things. He has been abusive, physically and verbally. I am at my wits end. He denies that he has any kind of addiction to it..says that he just enjoys it. When I am in tears begging him to stop, he accuses me of just trying to be controlling. It isn't a matter of me wanting to play mommy to him, I just don't want to find the love of my life laying dead one day. Every time he leaves for the store, I am scared that he will get caught stealing the pills. He takes an entire box throughout a 4 hour span. I am concerned about any effects it could have or reactions with his current meds. He is currently taking Paxil for anxiety and Levoxyl for his thyroid. Does anyone know if the two combined w/ dex could have a bad reaction? He has been doing the 3 years we have been together...and at least a year before we met. This is really my last resort I guess. I am sitting here in tears, just wanting this to end. I just want him to be sober. He compares his addiction to me smoking cigarettes. Soo I told him I'd quit smoking cigs if he quit the dex. I quit cigs, he has yet to quit the Coricidin. Does anyone know if there is any form of withdrawl when you quit taking Coricidin? What can I do to make him stop? I know, I know..he has to want to quit. I've delt with severe addictions within myself, and with my father (oxycontin). I just want him to want to quit. It makes me feel as if he needs those drugs to be able to handle being around us (his fiance and daughter). I am letting his issues get me down, to the point of wanting to end my own life because of his addiction to porn and Coricidin. I have asked him to go to counseling or rehab, and he denies he has an addiction..so he won't do it. He has been through counseling before, and he said they all say the same thing..tell you the same stuff to do. (I guess I kinda agree there.)

I guess I just needed to vent. Thanks in advance for any responses.
27 Responses
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8888063 tn?1400438876
I've been addicted over 10 years and it gets you no WHERE. I have no reason to speak since I did it last night, but it is available ANY WHERE!!!! They need to put this behind the counter.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
DO you have a counselor at school you can talk to?  Your parents should be taking the very seriously and get you in an inpatient rehab.  If they're not willing to do that, ask for help at school.  You're young, there are resources out there to help you. Keep posting and ask for help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am 16 years old and I have an addiction to trip C's. I don't know what to do I'm at the point where I don't go into a store alone because ill steal and not think twice about it. It scares me but I always want more and I always think about it. Friends recamend rehabilitate but I really didn't think that it was an adiction Bc its caught medicine until my friend recoreded me when I was on them and then the next day I woke her up at 8 am just to go to the store to steal ccc's. My parents tell me they don't know what to do with me. But I don't either. I feel lost with out them like I'm a zombie all the time... anyone have advice I really need some.
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Avatar universal
Would you be willing to talk to my husband about this addiction and maybe try to help him. I think if he sees he is not the only one out there dealing with this than he be more likely to seek help and quit.
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Avatar universal
Those pills are all over the shelf here, they need to ban them all together!
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Avatar universal
I started taking triple c's when I was 18, I'm now 20. Last time I took them was probably recently, I can't exactly recall. But when I first started, it was just 8, until one day I want to say in February of 2012 I took 16 by accident, in a matter of a whole day and hallucinated for the first time. We're talking like I thought there was two people in my room playing beer pong. I'd stay up all night, and just trip out. In and out of mind not sure what was real or fake.
Within that time to just about two months ago, I was taking 16 at a time about every other day, or when ever I could get my hands on them. I have stolen them when I didn't have cash, or found it easier to do that instead of pay. I abused the fact that I was eighteen. I literally worked to support that habit. I didn't think much of it til I started to see side effects of the drug, and sort of how I'd be on them. The most I have taken in a day is 32. And with that one, I was falling down everywhere, right on my face, I'd have bruises, cuts, scrapes, etc. And I found it hilarious. I started to have trouble urinating after awhile, and though I knew it was from taking the pills, and I swore I'd stop, once I could urinate again, I'd start to use.
I think that's when I started to see that I was in fact addicted and I didn't want to stop. It wasn't til just recently that I saw that I was sleeping in more than I ever have, and I could barely keep my eyes open. And now as a side effect that I think is from the pills I get night sweats on my legs, it's a cold sweat that sort of makes my blankets damp. I'm not entirely sure if it's from the pills, but I wouldn't doubt it either. I could use some help on that question.

Also, mixing them with anti depressants isn't safe, I did it with mine and my sleep medication and I've seized twice.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My brother took too much ccc one night, don't know how much, and I ended up carrying his unconscious body into the emergency room. Doctor said he almost died. They pumped him full of charcoal to try to remove the drug, and the family watched him vomit and diarrhea the charcoal for hours. When he came to the next morning, he had the rage part of the withdrawal going on. He fought the doctors to the point of having to be tied down, arms and legs, to the bed. He doesn't remember any of this event, as I worry many of the DXM users on this site don't remember what they have done during drug sessions. Now he has learned his limit, and takes almost enough to pass out, but after his high he is verbally (and maybe physically) abusing his 7 month pregnant wife. I wish the whole US would require all products that contain DXM or similar to be locked up and only sold on a last resort prescription made by a doctor. Also, all DXM users should be arrested and jailed for at least 3 months. I can't describe how sad and hurt I am to watch a family member try to kill themselves in order to get a bit of a high.
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Avatar universal
I would just like users to take warning this stuff is bad and my sister does not use sas high of doseages. She tripped aout and stabbed me several times andx then went after my seven year old son. I beg of u all to get help immediately. Attemptedx murder is not something you want to face.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My name is jacob i have been takin triple c 4 5 years now i take 32 at a time after five hours i take 32 more i the most i ever took in one day is 12 boxes but on a normal basis i take 6 to 8 boxes every day that i can
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
X82
My withdrawal symptoms as of today & since Wednesday afternoon, today is Saturday are high fever 102 F, eyes feel like they are on fire, my side temple is severally painful, acute earache but intense outer ear. I can't stomach anything! Fever chills, etc. I relapsed on Monday night, dent sleep well on Tuesday & had a class all day Wednesday. At first I thought I was Zonked from lack of sleep but then I realized the next morning I had fever symptoms. I've already taken the 4,000 mg/day acetaminophen limit. I'm at a lost as to what to do? I've had withdrawal like this before but not for more than two days. PS I can't well sleep either...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
First of all I would like to reiterate that Corciden, and specifically the active ingredient dextromethorphan is in no way related to, or used in the production of methamphetamine. The high is also quite different from marijuana. It has much more in common with PCP(angel dust) and ketamine(Special K) then any of the afforementioned drugs.

I would also like to say, in response to the original post, that it is very dangerous to take DXM in combination with Paxil, or practically any other antidepressant. Anti-depressants such as Paxil make it so that your brain does not re-absorb Serotonin(the neurotransmitter that is responsible for postive emotions/mood) DXM causes your brain to release massive amount of serotonin, and if you are taking Paxil(or another anti-depressant) you can quite easily die from Serotonin Syndrome(look it up on wikipedia, it's very serious)

Aside from that, DXM is an extremely dangerous drug. Many past users on here are reporting liver and kidney problems, and permanent psychological effects such as depression and anxiety. Brain damage, which can be severe, has been reported by practically every long term user. Personally, I used the drug for nearly 7 straight years and can say that it has caused fairly severe brain damage. I have memory and cognitive issues, and frequently feel severe anxiety and general feelings of psychological discomfort.

It's a very nasty and dangerous drug, and if anyone reading this is currently a user, I urge them to stop. Your brain and body are in serious danger!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My son has been addicted since he was 16, he is 25. I just found a bright red pill with CC on it. He accidentally left it on the kitchen counter. He has seen counselors, and has been to AA meetings, taken anti depression meds, and nothing has worked. He says every time he goes to a doctor or psych all they want to do is feed him more mood pills. I've asked him how he can take DXM and he complains the antidepressants don't do anything. The net is full of what, why, how DXM works but little on what to do about it. I think this **** should be behind the counter. Drug companies are trying to look like good guys and put ads to help us deal with drug abuse. I've sent plenty of mail telling them all they got to do is to tell there pushers to put it behind the counter. Guess what? I've never got a response back. Greedy Bastards don't care!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've struggled with an addiction to this stuff for about 9 years of my life.  It's miserable.  I've found that the only way to overcome this addiction is to turn to a higher power, my savior, Jesus Christ.  Some of the sideaffects and withdrawls I've experienced are:  cotton mouth (dry mouth),  cold sweats (intence sweating usually during the night)  I think the sweating occurs when the body is self detoxing and trying to rid itself of the toxins that come from using the drug.  After using large quantities, extreme dehydration occurs.  It is so important to stay hydrated.  I've experienced short term memory loss, confusion, lack of focus, shakiness, and lack of appetite.  Aches and pains in my joints and muscles come from over exertion while high on the medicine and dehydration.  I would compare the high of this drug to that of speed, or crystal meth. The withdrawls from this are horrible, which like with any other drug causes relapse.  Mixing this drug with antidepressants or anxiety meds can cause scary paranoia.  It can be terrifying.
I worked with a psychologist who specializes with drug addiction.  He was great. With his help and support from my husband, family, and friends in my ward (church) I was able to get sober and stay sober for 3 months.  It took a lot of prayer, scripture study, blessings, dicipline, and will power to do it.  I relapsed later on.  which is not uncommon. Right now I am fighting to stay sober.  I can't do it on my own.  It is an everyday battle and will be for the rest of my life, but I know that I can overcome it.  Anyone can overcome it with the desire and the right help.  There is a booklet I use  that is put out by LDS Family services. They have an addiction recovery program.  The booklet is called, "Addiction Recovery Program A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing."  In the booklet they use the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous along with the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  
Hope this helps!  Good Luck               -Hiedi Jo
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was addicted to DXM the active ingredient in Coricidin cough&cold, for 11years. I finally quit because i went to a rehab that changed my life in November 2010. Im a former addict/alcoholic and life has changed dramatically for me ever since i put down the drug and the drink. if i can touch anybody in this post then my job is done here.  Ive dealt with sexual abuse and verbal/emotional/mental abuse in the past and still, I've overcame it and become a better person.  Albeit the drugs had a prominent part in my life for the past 14 years, Coricidin was my lover my friend my life for 11 years.  It ruined my relationships, it ruined everything.  But now that im re-building it all, things are hard but they are very well worth it.  keep ur heads up, things will get better.  get urself or ur spouse to a detox immediately.  they may say they cant do anything for cold medicine addiction but people need to realize that that is a real drug u can get addicted to and its sometimes, i think, worse than any street drug out there. the availability is crazy its cheap and its LEGAL. Beware the legal drugs including alcohol.  theyre usually the worst abused. im rambling.  
Helpful - 0
1455791 tn?1285343226
THiS i AM 16 YEARS YOUNG FRESHMAN :)AND ON MY WAY TO SUCCESS I CLEARLY WANT EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS DRUG IS BADD OKAY I WAS HOOKED FOR 9MOUNTHS IT BECAME MY BESTFRIEND AN MY ONLY LOVER IT MADE ME FEEL LIKE EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE OKAY SEE I WAS MOLESTED BY MY GRANDFATHER AN MY WHOLE FAMILY TURNED THERE BACKS ONME WHILE NO FEMALES LIKED ME AN ALL DUEDS JUST WANTED ME MY BEST FRIEND AN I ARE EX ADDICTS AN ITS SAD TO SAY WHERE NOT THE SAY CCC PUT WHOLES IN YOUR STOMACH AN BRAIN AN RUIN YOUR LIFE THERES NOTHING BETTER THEN BEING HIGH OFF LIFE I PLAN TO ONE DAY MAKE A BOOK ABOUT MY LIFE STORY AN IM SECURE THAT IT WILL TOUCH MANY PEOPLES HEART I AM STILL IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETLY GETTING OVER IT AN TO BE HONEST IM NOT AS CUTE AS I OUNCE WAS I RECOMMEN TO JUST BE HIGH OF LIFE OR SMOKE A BLUNT AN DRINK A LOCO WHAT EVA YOU DO STAY AWAY IVE DONE COKE HERIONE WEED AN DRUNK AN NOTHING FELT BETTER THEN CCC I NOW LIVE IN A GROUP HOME WHERE ALL THE GIRLS HATE ME AN NO ONE CARES BOUT ME OR LOVES ME AN MY DREAM IS TO HAVE A FAMILY AN BE LOVE IF YOU FEEL ANY CERTAIN WAY ABOUT HOW I JUST OPEND UP TO YOU STAY THE FUCKK OFF CCC AN COUGH SYRUP I LOVE HIM TO BUT WE AINT LIL WAYNE
Helpful - 0
1281073 tn?1272376479
The ingredient on Coricidin that is attractive to people is Dextromethorphan it is taken in certain amounts, it will give you a high like maharajah and it is addictive.

I'm sorry that it is causing you marital problems, Sometimes a wake up call is good intensive you get your act together.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The ingredients in Coricidin are NOT extracted to make methamphetamine. That would be psuedoephedrine (clinical speed used in most cold and allergy medicines) which is not an active ingredient in Coricidin Cough & Cold. There are major psychological withdrawals and some minor-major physical withdrawals depending on how frequently he used. They include upset stomach, diarrhea, aches and pains and awkward sleeping patterns.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
yeah im addicted to, i take 60 a day, im just like your fiance, im sorry for this, it usually happens to the nicest people, theres no ending it, cold medicine is meth and a steroid mixed, and if you take it with anxiety medicine, bad stuff happens, if hes gonna take cold medicine stop the anxiety meds right away, im serious, ive mixed em and wound up with a felony from blacking out
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well tripple c's or cloricdin H is a type of meth,
it does give you sideaffects like that if you take
to much at a time,, just if your hooked on it take
less at time and get help, cause me reading this
i dont no what htese ppl were thinking takeing 34
and all that, the most i ever took was 24 and i regret
takeing that much, i almost died getting hit bye a care three
times, and when i got high while i was on themm i pasted
out with al my friends and thy all were so worried thinking
i was dead, see i was awake but i couldnt control nothing,
i could hear every word they say, i didnt like it the most i consume
now is up to 16, just dont take anymore than one pack at a time, you
will get the same tripp, and when its done take another 16, so your
not o.d ing yourself so bad. I have had those sympontons but no
sweeting that bad, i have sweet but i guess since you took more
your sweet is more amount, well either stop doing so muchh,
or get some help, sorry if i didnt help, and your welcome if i did
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been on "ccc's" for about two years now...I have gone into short term comas. On this simple cold remedy I woke up in jail with 5 counts of felonies and a public intox. Usually when you go over your limit (which varies among all) you black out...your body is up and running but your mind is gone...I have had outter body expierences when i was just sitting on a chair and thought i was doing things way more intense. I need to know what the withdrawl symptoms are. I am going to very stressful periods since I quit. There are weird feelings...it feels like a power drill is going through my brain...I feel dizzy and im hallucinating. I cant sleep and sometimes my temp. rises a lot...I get so hot I sweat so much I have to dry my bed off to try to get back to sleep..these symptoms are very intense and i dont know if its normal..the amounts i usually have taken varied from whatever i could steal from the stores..i didnt care how much i consumed. i have done hundreds in a 24 hour period while drinking...does anyone know of any other symptoms that might occur
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352798 tn?1399298154
Hey, this is a really old post. Please post on a new post so that others will answer your question. It is the green "Post A Question" button at the top of page.
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Avatar universal
I need help I just found out about my girlfriends six yaer addiction to Coricidin. I dont know when she is on it but she cant hold a job keep things strieght or stay awake most the time.She takes like 32 at a time Im told shes "good for an hour" she says. Then followed by intense head aces. She also sleeps for days at a time only waking for minutes but i dont know if thats withdraw or a side effect or lazyness. I need to get her help but I dont know how.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
WOW!  its some pretty heavy stuff when abused, here is some of what i found:The most commonly reported
signs and symptoms associated with
ingestion of the tablets were tachycardia
(50 patients), hypertension
(29), lethargy (40), mydriasis (20),
agitation (5), ataxia or dizziness (20),
vomiting (9), confusion (16), elevated
temperature (8), dry mouth (6),
slurred speech (5), and hallucinations
(3); 61 patients (66%) had some alteration
in mental status. Fifty-six
patients (61%) were treated in a hospital
emergency department, usually
with activated charcoal; 11 patients
(12%) were admitted. Three patients
received benzodiazepines for agitation     it says it gives the person a euphoric high ...and is commonly abused, with the younger teens also getting hooked...if you type in the search bar: coricidin abuse, you will get an unbeleivable amount of info., too much for me to copy here...but if you have any more questions, just post... these were just the possible side efects...which is why people abuse them...its for the side effects, in a sense...but until hes ready to admit he has a problem, i am sorry there may not be much you can do for him...just put yourself and child first and take care of yourself... oh also the same drug you get this euphoric high from is called dextromethorphan...is also found in robitussin and alot of other cough and cold remedies, i do know some of the major brands have removed this ingredient from their product because of this abuse potential...i hope this helped...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i am not sure how to answer your questions...but i am sure i can find someone to help you answer them..i will ask and try to get back to you in a decent time frame.
Helpful - 0
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