Adolescents may use the Internet to learn about illicit substances, and partisan websites that downplay drug risks can encourage unsafe behavior. A case is reported of an adolescent who used online information and suffered severe poisoning after combining harmaline (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor) with 5-methoxydimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), a hallucinogenic tryptamine. Adverse outcomes from Internet-sourced drug advice are rarely documented.
Dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter dissociative drug, is increasingly abused by younger adolescents. Its toxic effects vary with dose and formulation ingredients. Most cases resolve with supportive care, but severe intoxication may require significant medical attention. Early identification and treatment of dextromethorphan abuse may help prevent broader substance abuse in this age group. Clinicians should recognize, treat, and refer patients presenting with intoxication from this drug.