According to a study recently published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the California Poison Control System (CPCS) has noted a dramatic increase in calls from adolescents who have abused popular over-the-counter cold and cough medicines.

Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is the active ingredient in many cold medications, and when abused can cause euphoria and hallucinations.

In the last several years, CPCS has logged calls from adolescents who reported suffering symptoms including drowsiness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat and seizures.

Researchers at CPCS say that the abuse of DXM has increased dramatically because, in addition to being readily available at drugstores and supermarkets, it does not have the same social stigma as illegal drugs. [source: Your Health]