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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tom Houghton |
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Houghton legislation to prevent abuse of DXM passes House
HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Tom Houghton, D-Chester, said legislation he authored to prevent the abuse and misuse of dextromethorphan, known as DXM, a common ingredient in cough syrups and over-the-counter medicines, has unanimously passed the state House.
"Changing the classification of this common ingredient will make it less accessible to those who seek to abuse it," Houghton said. "DXM is often harvested for its hallucinogenic effects, similar to PCP, and is increasingly being purchased over the Internet in raw powder form by teens seeking to abuse it."
House Bill 1616 would classify raw DXM as a substance subject to the Non-controlled Substance Reporting and Registration Act of February 14, 1990. Under this legislation, any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer or other person who is engaged in the sale, distribution, transfer or furnishing of DXM will be required to register with the state secretary of Health as well as provide specific information from the purchaser of the substance to the state Attorney General's Office.
Over-the-counter medicines containing finished DXM as an ingredient will remain exempt and under the regulation of federal law. Pharmacies will NOT be required to lock up medicines containing DXM in its finished form. Further, there will be no fee for reporting and registering, said Houghton.
"We are not targeting responsible pharmacies that sell over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin DM," said Houghton. "Instead, we are looking to hold accountable those selling DXM in its raw form – which teens are increasingly buying in powder form to get high. This legislation is vital to preventing the increasing abuse and misuse of DXM by ensuring only those that use it for its intended purposes can manufacture, sell or buy the potentially dangerous drug."
Current exemptions for pharmacists, physicians, dentists, veterinarians and any authorized person providing the drug pursuant to a doctor’s prescription would remain in place, Houghton said.
The effects of DXM include confusion, dizziness, slurred speech and loss of motor skills, as well as long-term liver damage.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
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