Interventional Study of Dextromethorphan Abuse Within the U.S. Military Community in Okinawa, Japan

Dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough suppressant, has potential for abuse. In the present commentary, we summarize findings to suggest extensive dextromethorphan overuse/abuse within the U.S. military community residing in Okinawa, Japan. We first compared sales of dextromethorphan-containing medications within the U.S. military community of Okinawa, Japan with sales within the U.S military community from the other nearby locations in the Pacific region. Our report revealed that dextromethorphan use is far more prevalent within the military community in Okinawa. To further substantiate the claim that dextromethorphan abuse is widespread in Okinawa’s U.S. military community, a survey of medical records showed high rates of treatment provided for dextromethorphan intoxication. These findings motivated interventions established throughout the military community in Okinawa to combat dextromethorphan overuse. These stricter policy changes resulted in decreases in sales of dextromethorphan-containing medications as well as a substantial drop in hospital visits from dextromethorphan intoxication, suggesting that the interventions were largely effective and should be maintained.