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What is Triple C?

What is Triple C?

Have you ever heard of Triple C? You may be surprised to know that this term represents a seemingly common yet possibly dangerous medication.

What Is Triple C?

Triple C is a slang term for a brand of over-the-counter cough medicine called Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold. This brand uses a medication called dextromethorphan, which can cause hallucinations if taken in high doses.

This type of medicine is usually in the form of a small red pill that comes in a few varieties designed for: chest pain & congestion, cold & cough, or the flu. Triple C is typically swallowed but can also be snorted or injected. The pill is usually available over-the-counter at drug stores, and some powdered forms exist.

Triple C is usually safe when taken every 6 hours; but because of its effects, it is sometimes taken recreationally and in higher doses than recommended.

What Triple C Can Do

People commonly misuse Triple C in pursuit of euphoria and hallucinogenic effects that produce a type of high coined as “robotripping,” which may be similar to what people experience when they use PCP. When someone is robotripping and having hallucinations from this medicine, their body might be experiencing:

  • Vision changes
  • Stomach issues and pain
  • Loss of muscle control
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Increased body temperature
  • Nausea
  • Brain damage

Since these symptoms can be highly dangerous, especially for someone who is not in their correct state of mind, it’s important to know the signs that someone might be using or “robotripping:”

  • Sweatiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid eye movement
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Drowsiness
  • Paranoia

The high from Triple C can last up to 6 hours & can impact a person’s vision and thought processes. Since a person is not seeing or thinking clearly while under the influence of the drug, they’re at risk of harming themselves or others.

Abusing Triple C

The most common group who uses Triple C are teenagers — which makes sense, considering Triple C is one of the many street names for the drug. Some others include:
  • DMX or dex (short for the full medication name, dextromethorphan
  • Candy (because of their candy-like appearance)
  • Skittles
  • Red devils
Teenagers are more likely to use this drug because of:
  • Its low cost compared to illicit drugs
  • Accessibility — either on the shelf and easy to steal or affordable to purchase
If you think your teenager might be using Triple C, keep an eye out for missing medicine in your cabinet, empty medicine wrappers, declining grades, changed behavior, and the physical signs above.

Triple C Takeaways

Since Triple C can also be sold online, it’s important to look for the signs to prevent or stop abuse as soon as possible. The most reliable treatment for Triple C is cognitive behavioral therapy, along with other professional methods.
When used properly, this medication can truly help alleviate the symptoms of the cold, cough, & flu; however, it can easily be used irresponsibly and cause a suite of possibly irreversible issues. If you know someone who might be abusing Triple C, please contact a medical professional or reach out to the admissions team at 267.719.8689.

Related Resources

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