This bill has gained large support in the legislature despite protests from industry groups, like the Consumer Healthcare Products Association and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, the newly seated chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and is also a longtime leader in the fight against drugs in Appalachian region, campaigned for state lawmakers to stand up against pharmaceutical companies that “are fighting tooth and nail” to keep from passing this bill. “This bill is not about eliminating cold medications. It’s about saving lives” he said.

As always, there are two sides in every story. Last Thursday, while Kentucky’s congressional delegation came up with the proposal, a wife of an alleged congressman says the bill will only work for the privileged, and most poor people would have to spend more in treating a common cold. “This legislation is punishing all Kentuckians for the crimes of a few,” said Pat Davis, wife of U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis.

Davis called for the non-passing of the bill because it would mean higher costs for poor families to treat a simple cold. If the bill pushes through, the added cost of acquiring a doctor’s prescription would be another burden in purchasing medication that is supposed to be available over-the-counter.

Cough syrups and pills are conveniently available in drug stores, supermarkets and most of the time, also at home. It is used to treat coughing, either to loosen the mucus from the respiratory tract or to suppress the act of coughing itself. While it is actually a substance of significant use, it can also be dangerous when ingested in large amounts.

Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is an active ingredient in many cough and cold medicines.  The average dose contains about 15 to 30 milligrams. When taken at doses greater than medically recommended, DXM can be classified as a psychedelic substance. The intake of DXM in large amounts can result to nausea, irregular heartbeat, blurred vision and slurred speech, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, or even death.

Manufacturers have already made the taste of their cough syrups unpleasant to discourage recreational use. While this is a good move, there are still other options kids can take. Kids don’t have to drink a bottle of cough syrup to feel the effects of DXM. Also available are pills with far more potent doses of DXM.

Dextromethorphan also becomes particularly more dangerous when taken with other drugs.