Dextromethorphan

Excerpt

Dextromethorphan is a centrally acting, nonopioid antitussive widely used for cough suppression and increasingly recognized for its therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric care. Commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold products, it has multiple central nervous system effects, including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism and sigma-1 receptor agonism. These properties support its FDA-approved use for pseudobulbar affect when combined with quinidine and for major depressive disorder when combined with bupropion, highlighting the importance of understanding its mechanisms and clinical applications.