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Everything You Need to Know About Robotripping

Robotripping refers to taking DXM to experience various psychological and physical effects. While it isn't illegal, that doesn't mean it's safe. In high doses, it can have serious and lasting effects. DXM, short for dextromethorphan, is an over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant that's found in some cough syrups and cold medications. Robotripping, also known as dexing or skittling, refers to using DXM to experience a range of psychological and physical effects. It may sound harmless, given that DXM is legal and readily available. However, robotripping usually involves higher than recommended doses, which can be dangerous. Plus, a lot of DXM-containing products have other active ingredients that can also be harmful in higher doses. Healthline does not endorse the illegal use of any substances. However, we believe in providing accessible and accurate information to reduce the harm that can occur when using. What does it feel like? It depends on your dose. The effects of robotripping can vary a lot depending on how much you take. DXM causes different stages (often referred to as plateaus) that vary with dosage. What about physical side effects? DXM produces several physical effects that vary from person to person and by dose. The product you take also matters. DXM products often contain other active ingredients that produce their own effects. Potential side effects include: hot flashes sweating nausea dizziness slurred speech lethargy hyperactivity high blood pressure slow breathing irregular heartbeat itching rash involuntary eye movements unconsciousness seizures How long do the effects last? The effects usually wear off within a day or so, but there are a lot of factors that influence how long you'll feel the effects. These include: the dosage other active ingredients in the product how much food is in your stomach your body size Users can also develop a substance use disorder, including addiction, around DXM. Users can develop a tolerance as well as a psychological and physical dependence to DXM. Is there any way to end things sooner? Nope. Once you've taken it, you pretty much need to let it run its course. Your best bet is to try to sleep it off. If you're feeling really out of it and nauseous, sit upright in a comfortable chair instead of lying down in case you throw up. Here are some other things that can help you ride out your trip: Take some ginger or drink ginger tea if you're feeling sick to your stomach. Put on some music or a movie to distract you and help you unwind. Drink water to keep from getting dehydrated. Remind yourself that all of this will be over eventually. What are the risks? Again, DXM is legal, but that doesn't mean the dosage used for robotripping is safe. Here's a look at some of the risks. Heatstroke DXM interferes with your body's ability to regulate temperature and can cause your body temperature to spike dangerously high. It's been linked to heat emergencies, including heatstroke. This is also sometimes called rave-related heatstroke because it's more likely to happen with physical exertion, like dancing. Respiratory depression DXM depresses the central nervous system (CNS), which controls your breathing. This can stop your lungs from exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is medically known as respiratory depression. This results in slow and shallow breathing. Left untreated, it could lead to respiratory arrest and death. Dangerous behavior High doses of DXM have been linked to dangerous behavior that stems from effects like hallucinations, psychosis, and agitation. It can cause you to lose touch with reality, making you more likely to do things you wouldn't normally do. Liver damage Many OTC cough and cold medications that contain DXM also contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage when you take more than directed. Does it interact with anything? DXM can cause serious interactions when combined with other substances and OTC or prescription medications. Taking it with other CNS depressants can intensify or prolong the effects of both and significantly increase your risk for respiratory arrest, overdose, and death. Other substances Mixing substances is never a good idea, but the following make for a particularly risky combo with DXM: alcohol, which is sometimes combined with DXM to make lean MDMA ketamine sassafras heroin cannabis cocaine PCP LSD OTC meds DXM shouldn't be mixed with certain OTC meds, including some herbal remedies and supplements. These include: other cold or cough medications acetaminophen antihistamines sleep aids, including natural sleep aids, like valerian root and melatonin Prescription medication There are quite a few prescription medications that shouldn't be combined with DXM. They include: narcotics, such as oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl antidepressants antibiotics dopamine agonists amphetamines antiemetic drugs Safety tips Taking more than the directed dose of DXM — or any medication for that matter — comes with severe risks. If you're going to do it, though, there are a few things you can do reduce some of the risk: Know what you're taking. Read labels to make sure you're not ingesting other active ingredients, like acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and antihistamines. Same goes for DXM pills from randoms or the internet. They can be contaminated with other substances. Stick with the lowest dose. Start with a very low dose. Be sure to give it time to kick in before you think of redosing. Don't mix. Most fatal overdoses are the result of mixing substances. Don't combine DXM with alcohol or other substances. Drink water. DXM can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water before and after robotripping. Don't do it alone. Robotripping by yourself isn't a good idea. Have someone with you who can help if things go south. Choose a safe setting. Make sure you're at home or in another safe and familiar setting in case you experience hallucinations or pass out. Remain seated. DXM can mess with muscle coordination and cause drowsiness, increasing your risk for falls and injury. Extreme sedation and a slowed breathing rate can increase your risk for passing out and choking if you happen to vomit. Moving around too much can also lead to overheating. Overdose signs If you're going to robotrip (or be around people who are), it's crucial to know how to recognize an overdose. Call 911 if you or someone else experiences any of these signs or symptoms after taking DXM: irregular breathing, especially slow or shallow breathing high blood pressure increased body temperature vomiting blurred vision bluish skin, lips, or fingernails paranoia hallucinations extreme drowsiness muscle twitches convulsions or seizures loss of consciousness If you're concerned about law enforcement getting involved, you don't need to mention the substances used over the phone. Just be sure to tell them about specific symptoms so they can send the appropriate response. If you're caring for someone else, get them to lay slightly on their side while you wait. Have them bend their top knee inward if they can for added support. This position will keep their airways open in case they begin to vomit.