Dextromethorphan: From Cough Suppressant to Antidepressant.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) has been repurposed over seven decades: first as a cough suppressant, then combined with quinidine for pseudobulbar affect, and most recently formulated with bupropion for major depressive disorder. This article describes DXM's history and mechanisms of action for each use, highlighting the uniquely rapid action and safety profile of the oral dextromethorphan-bupropion antidepressant formulation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Dextromethorphan (DXM) has been re-purposed several times over the past 7 decades: first as a cough suppressant, then as a compounded formulation with quinidine for treatment of pseudobulbar affect, and most recently as a compounded formulation with bupro-pion for treatment of major depressive disorder. The current article describes the history and purported mechanisms of action of DXM for each use and the uniquely rapid action and safety profile of the oral dextromethorphan- bupropion antidepressant formulation. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(11), 9-11.].