Psychopharmacology
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Dextromethorphan (DXM) and its metabolite, dextrorphan (DXO) have neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties through their activity as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channel blockers. Based on this receptor activity, coupled with reports of DXM abuse, both were evaluated for abuse potential and phencyclidine (PCP)-like behavioral effects in two animal models. ⋯ Taken together, these data show that DXM has some PCP-like effects in rats and monkeys, but that they are more reliably produced by its metabolite, DXO. Thus, high doses of DXM may have some PCP-like abuse potential in humans but this potential may be associated with, or enhanced by, metabolism of DXM to DXO.