Washington, D.C. - This week U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) introduced the Dextromethorphan (DXM) Distribution Act of 2006 (H.R. 5280) that would make it illegal to distribute unfinished DXM to a person or company not registered with the FDA.  This will help prevent the unapproved production, sale and use of DXM as a “street drug.”

“Pure DXM taken in its powdered form can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death.  This legislation sends a strong message to the individuals who are illegally distributing this drug to our teenagers for recreational use,” said Larsen. 

DXM is a non-narcotic cough suppressant used in cough medicines and cough drops.  While these medicines are used safely by millions of Americans each year to relieve cold and flu symptoms, when taken in extremely large quantities the main ingredient - DXM - produces a hallucinogenic high.  Trends show that teenagers are abusing DXM to produce this high.

“As a parent of two young boys, I am concerned by the growing number of teens consuming cough syrup and pure DXM to get a high.  These drugs and can be very dangerous when abused,” said Larsen.

According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 1 in 11 teenagers used cough medicines to get high in 2005.  The large dose of cough medicine needed to produce the desired high often leaves the user extremely nauseous and sick.  As such, teens have started illegally purchasing pure DXM in its powder form – not intended for human consumption – over the internet.

In April 2005, two teenagers from Whatcom County overdosed on DXM they had purchased online. The investigation of their deaths showed the teens had ordered the drug over the Internet from an Indiana company.  Three other boys from Florida and Virginia also died from overdosing on DXM they had ordered from the same company.

“Our laws are lacking when children can order shipments of DXM over the internet.  The illicit distribution of this drug has caused the deaths of two young people in our community and others across the nation.   Illicit purveyors of this product need to be held accountable.  The legislation offered by Representative Rick Larsen will go a long way towards combating this problem on a national level,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo.  “We in law enforcement appreciate Representative Larsen's support and leadership on this issue,” he continued.

Next week Larsen is hosting a meeting in Whatcom County with local law officials, school administrators, and the parents of one of the children that overdosed last year to share the final language of the legislation that was introduced, and thank the community for their help in bringing the issue of internet DXM sales to the attention of Congress.

WHO: U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, Principal David Engle (Squalicum High School), Sheriff Bill Elfo (Whatcom County), Parents of one of the teens that died last year due to a DXM overdose. 

WHEN: Monday, May 8, 2006

TIME: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Squalicum High School, Principal's office, 3773 E McLeod Rd, Bellingham

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

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