Dextromethorphan: From Cough Suppressant to Antidepressant

Dextromethorphan (DXM) has been re-purposed several times over the past 7 decades: first as a cough suppressant, then as a compounded formulation with quinidine for treatment of pseudobulbar affect, and most recently as a compounded formulation with bupro-pion for treatment of major depressive disorder. The current article describes the history and purported mechanisms of action of DXM for each use and the uniquely rapid action and safety profile of the oral dextromethorphan- bupropion antidepressant formulation. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(11), 9-11.].