Pubdate: Fri, 26 May 2006
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2006 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82

DRUG FOUND IN PURE FORM OF COUGH REMEDY BANNED

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed into law Thursday a bill 
banning the sale of the pure form of a drug commonly found in 
over-the-counter cough medicines.

The law would make illegal to sell, possess, deliver or distribute 
dextromethorphan, known as DXM, unless it was obtained through a 
prescription or an over-the-counter medicine, such as Robitussin, 
which contains acceptable doses of the drug, Blagojevich said.

The law, which takes effect immediately, arose from the September 
2003 death of an Illinois State University student who overdosed on 
DXM bought in pure form over the Internet, according to a statement 
from the governor's office.

"The idea that kids can go on line and easily get their hands on a 
dangerous drug is appalling," Blagojevich said.

DXM, used to get a high or feel hallucinogenic effects, also can 
cause confusion and dizziness to vomiting and rapid heart beat, 
according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America Web site. DXM is 
also known as "skittles," "robo" or "Triple C," the partnership site said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman