Two Cases of Dextromethorphan Overdose Reversed by Naloxone.

ABSTRACT

We present two rare cases highlighting the rare toxicological manifestation of dextromethorphan (DXM). The DXM toxicity profile is predominantly hallucinations, agitation, irritability with seizures, and coma in severe overdose. The cases that follow are unique in the sense that both patients had features of opioid toxidrome, rarely manifested in DXM abuse. A young male and female in their mid-20s and early 30s, respectively, were brought to the emergency room for their excessive somnolence; both had reduced respiratory rate, bilaterally small pupils (sluggish reactive to light), and the rest of their examination findings were unremarkable. Primary stabilization in the form of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) trial and subsequent rapid sequence intubation (RSI) for persistent respiratory depression. Followed by the exhaustive exclusion of differentials, opioid-like toxidrome was treated with naloxone, and both patients made a good recovery and were discharged home in good health. The emergency physician should be prepared for the rare toxicological manifestations of commonly available over-the-counter medications among the youth. These case reports highlight the role of naloxone in DXM toxicity reversal.