What is Personality psychology?

What are the effectsf of long-term DXM abuse on one's personality/psychology?

• Much as I hate to admit it, I've been abusing DXM very heavily for almost 10 years, now. I am currently in withdrawl - my choice. I had also been abusing antihistamines along with it, and had recently managed to kick the antihistamine habit for good. That alone has had a marked impact upon my personality - the antihistamines had been acting as a depressant and had turned me into a rather dark and sinister individual, also very mixed up. I was so pleased with the change in mood and the increasing clarity of thought, that I decided to kick the DXM habit as well. But I'm curious what changes that might bring. I suspect some of the underlying motivation for adding antihistamines was to counter some of the effects of DXM, and that without the antihistamines, I should probably kick DXM as well just to keep things as balanced as possible. What's known of long-term high-dose dxm abuse and its affect on the psyche? What kinds of changes might I expect? I'm only really in my first week of ceasing the abuse, I've gone this long before without any significant change. But if my experience with antihistamines is any indication, bigger changes are soon to come. I'm a bit nervous about it, but determined to face it just the same. - Nervously waiting.

• Answer:

  Long term high dose DXM abuse (and I an not exaggerating) can have serious consequences. It can cause psychosis and the possible development of just about any psychiatric problem. Aside from amphetamines and cocaine, it is one of the most neurotoxic drugs when taken in large doses. The use of antihistamines has little to do with DXM. Antihistamines can be helpful when people are ill. If anything, antihistamines and DXM mixed is worse than either one alone. I would recommend you see a doctor. If you are in significant discomfort he could prescribe small amounts of nonaddictive medications to help get you through the worst of it. And whenever a person with a substance abuse problem starts to quit it is really important to see a doctor. Because you abused DXM, you will likely have an easier withdrawal and be less likely to relapse. People who abuse inhalants and/or DXM are far more likely to recover compared to a heroin or morphine addict. Try to avoid medications like antipsychotics (Haldol, Thorazine) and especially atypical antipsychotics (Seroquel,Risperdal) because they could trigger you addiction. Also stay away from Atarax/Vistaril (hydroxyzine), Desyrel (trazodone), and Phenergan (promethazine). All of these medications are commonly used to help treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other things. However most are antihistamines or have significant antihistamine properties.