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The '''Dextromethorphan''' (''DXM'') and '''Diphenhydramine''' (''DPH'') combination experience (also known as '''counterflipping''') is a substance combination, that when taken, produces an array of uniquely [[hallucinogenic]], [[dissociative]] and powerful [[deliriant]] as well as intoxicating effects when [[Routes of Administration|administered]].
The '''Dextromethorphan''' (''DXM'') and '''Diphenhydramine''' (''DPH'') combination experience (also known as '''counterflipping''') is a substance combination, that when taken, produces an array of uniquely [[hallucinogenic]], [[dissociative]] and powerful [[deliriant]] effects when [[Routes of Administration|administered]].


This article is something that [[PsychonautWiki]] is documenting because although there are a huge variety of possible drug combinations, most of them simply induce the effects of the two separate drugs on top of each other in a very predictable manner. However, these two substances do just the opposite of that, producing a very unique synergy when taken together, potentiating the positive aspects of the other substance whilst simultaneously suppressing its ''perceived'' negative or uncomfortable side effects; with distinct visual and hallucinatory effects that are sometimes not found on neither of these substances when taken on their own. However, despite the unique and positive effects, this combination can readily also produce significantly dangerous physical and psychological effects, sometimes already at common dosages.
This article is something that [[PsychonautWiki]] is documenting because although there are a huge variety of drug combinations, most of them simply induce the effects of the two separate drugs alongside each other in a very predictable manner. However, the combination of DXM and DPH does just the opposite of that, producing a very unique synergy when taken together, potentiating the positive aspects of the other substance whilst simultaneously suppressing its ''perceived'' negative or uncomfortable side effects; with distinct visual and hallucinatory effects that are sometimes not found in neither substance when taken on their own. Although, despite the unique and positive effects, this combination can readily also produce significantly dangerous physical and psychological effects, sometimes at relatively common dosages.


Typically, dosages for both [[DXM]] and [[DPH]] are both taken in equal amounts, for example 300 milligrams of DXM with 300 milligrams of DPH, although some users prefer higher or lower amounts of either substance. This makes the spectrum of the combination very broad and the effects and dangers can vary significantly. Generally, it is strongly advised that users without extensive experience do not go over a light to common dose of both DXM and DPH alone when combining the two in recreational doses.
Typically, dosages for both [[DXM]] and [[DPH]] are both taken in equal amounts, for example, 300 milligrams of DXM with 300 milligrams of DPH, although some users prefer higher or lower amounts of either substance. This makes the spectrum of the combination very broad and the effects and dangers can vary significantly. It is strongly advised that users without extensive experience do not go over a light to common dose of both DXM and DPH alone when combining the two in recreational doses.


Both substances strongly amplify each others effects; while DPH inhibits the metabolism of DXM and increases its concentration,{{citation needed}} DXM in turn suppresses the percieved dysphoric and anxiogenic effects of DPH and powerfully amplifying its hallucinations and deliriant properties.{{citation needed}} Even at common doses, some may be subject to extreme states of [[dissociation]] and [[delirium]], possibly not being able to communicate with the outside anymore. This is very heavily dependent on body chemistry, which is already a unique effect seen with DXM and one might respond completely differently from another person even with the same dosages.
Both substances strongly amplify each other's effects; while DPH inhibits the metabolism of DXM and increases its concentration,{{citation needed}} DXM in turn suppresses the perceived dysphoric and anxiogenic effects of DPH and powerfully amplifying its hallucinations and deliriant properties.{{citation needed}} Even at common doses, some may be subject to extreme states of [[dissociation]] and [[delirium]], possibly not being able to effectively perceive or respond to external events. This depends heavily on body chemistry, which is already a unique effect seen with DXM and one might respond completely differently from another person even with the same dosages.


This combination is very physically taxing, especially since the dangerous effects are suppressed and they can become unnoticed by the user. It is highly advised to use doses above the common range due to the risk of effects such as toxicity, [[tachycardia|increased heart rate]], [[hypertension|increased blood pressure]], [[rhabdomyolysis]] and agitated mental states such as [[delirium]] or [[panic attack]]s. People with preexisting cardiovascular problems should avoid this combination and further substances should not be taken during the experience. It is strongly advised to use [[harm reduction practices]] if using this combination.
This combination is very physically taxing, especially since the dangerous effects are suppressed and they can become unnoticed by the user. It is highly advised to use doses below the common range due to the risk of effects such as toxicity, [[tachycardia|increased heart rate]], [[hypertension|increased blood pressure]], [[rhabdomyolysis]] and agitated mental states such as [[delirium]] or [[panic attack]]s. People with preexisting cardiovascular problems should avoid this combination and further substances should not be taken during the experience. It is strongly advised to use [[harm reduction practices]] if using this combination.


==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
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''{{Main|Diphenhydramine#Pharmacology}}''
''{{Main|Diphenhydramine#Pharmacology}}''


When taken in combination, [[Diphenhydramine]] acts as a pharmologically significant CYP2D/CYP2D6 inhibitor<ref>https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/dxm/faq/dxm_refs.shtml#r151</ref> and thus inhibits the breakdown of [[DXM]] into [[DXO]].<ref name=":0">Cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of dextromethorphan: fetal and adult studies. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1306804</ref>
When taken in combination, [[Diphenhydramine]] acts as a pharmologically significant CYP2D/CYP2D6 inhibitor<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hiroi, T.)), ((Ohishi, N.)), ((Imaoka, S.)), ((Yabusaki, Y.)), ((Fukui, H.)), ((Funae, Y.)) | journal=The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | title=Mepyramine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, inhibits the metabolic activity of rat and human P450 2D forms | volume=272 | issue=2 | pages=939–944 | date= February 1995 | issn=0022-3565}}</ref> and thus inhibits the breakdown of [[DXM]] into [[DXO]].<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Jacqz-Aigrain, E.)), ((Cresteil, T.)) | journal=Developmental Pharmacology and Therapeutics | title=Cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of dextromethorphan: fetal and adult studies | volume=18 | issue=3–4 | pages=161–168 | date= 1992 | issn=0379-8305}}</ref>


==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==




When taken in combination, [[DXM]] and [[DPH]] both lessen the percieved uncomfortable side effects of the other substance. For example, due to DPH’s nausea suppressing abilities, the nausea associated with DXM is almost entirely abscent. In return, DXM’s dissociating and anesthetic-like qualities have an extremely positive effect on the unbearably strong physical dysphoria found within DPH. This completely eliminates the muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, restless leg syndrome, and extreme dehydration experienced when DPH is tried by itself. This allows the unique delirium, hallucinations and visual effects of the DPH experience to become much more accessible to your average person.
When taken in combination, [[DXM]] and [[DPH]] both lessen the perceived uncomfortable side effects of the other substance. For example, due to DPH’s nausea suppressing abilities, the nausea associated with DXM is almost entirely absent. In return, DXM’s dissociating and anesthetic-like qualities have an extremely positive effect on the physical dysphoria found within DPH. This completely eliminates the muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, restless leg syndrome, and extreme dehydration experienced when DPH is used by itself. This allows the unique delirium, hallucinations and visual effects of the DPH experience to become much more accessible to your average person.


{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
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|{{effects/physical|
|{{effects/physical|


*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]'''<ref name="Reissig">Reissig, C. J., Carter, L. P., Johnson, M. W., Mintzer, M. Z., Klinedinst, M. A., & Griffiths, R. R. (2012). High doses of dextromethorphan, an NMDA antagonist, produce effects similar to classic hallucinogens. Psychopharmacology, 223(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-012-2680-6</ref> & '''[[Effect::Sedation]]'''  - At lower, recreational doses, this combination is predominantly stimulating. However, it can produce waves of tiredness, or the desire to lay down with the eyes closed in a sleep-like state. As higher dosages are approached, the experience generally turns very chaotic, sometimes with states of agitated delirium resulting in stimulation or moments of sedation where the user does not move at all.
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]'''<ref name="Reissig">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Reissig, C. J.)), ((Carter, L. P.)), ((Johnson, M. W.)), ((Mintzer, M. Z.)), ((Klinedinst, M. A.)), ((Griffiths, R. R.)) | journal=Psychopharmacology | title=High doses of dextromethorphan, an NMDA antagonist, produce effects similar to classic hallucinogens | volume=223 | issue=1 | pages=1–15 | date= September 2012 | url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00213-012-2680-6 | issn=0033-3158 | doi=10.1007/s00213-012-2680-6}}</ref> & '''[[Effect::Sedation]]'''  - At lower, recreational doses, this combination is predominantly stimulating. However, it can produce waves of tiredness, or the desire to lay down with the eyes closed in a sleep-like state. As higher dosages are approached, the experience generally turns very chaotic, sometimes with states of agitated delirium resulting in stimulation or moments of sedation where the user does not move at all.
*'''[[Effect::Abnormal heartbeat]]''' - Diphenhydramine is able to prolong the QT interval, potentially leading to torsades de pointes, an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death.<ref>QT interval prolongation in diphenhydramine toxicity | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167527304000786</ref> This risk if greatly amplified by both DPH and DXM by increasing heart rate to dangerously high levels.
*'''[[Effect::Abnormal heartbeat]]''' - Diphenhydramine is able to prolong the QT interval, potentially leading to torsades de pointes, an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Thakur, A. C.)), ((Aslam, A. K.)), ((Aslam, A. F.)), ((Vasavada, B. C.)), ((Sacchi, T. J.)), ((Khan, I. A.)) | journal=International Journal of Cardiology | title=QT interval prolongation in diphenhydramine toxicity | volume=98 | issue=2 | pages=341–343 | date=15 February 2005 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167527304000786 | issn=0167-5273 | doi=10.1016/j.ijcard.2003.10.051}}</ref> This risk is greatly amplified by both DPH and DXM by increasing heart rate to dangerously high levels.
*'''[[Effect::Physical autonomy]]''' - At very high dosages some find to awake in strange locations, sometimes while standing or performing actions with no recollection of events or how they got there. When approaching delirium, the experience generally turns stimulating and as a result, one may start to walk long distances.
*'''[[Effect::Physical autonomy]]''' - At very high dosages some find to awake in strange locations, sometimes while standing or performing actions with no recollection of events or how they got there. When approaching delirium, the experience generally turns stimulating and as a result, one may start to walk long distances.
*'''[[Effect::Perception of bodily lightness]]''' & '''[[Effect::Perception of bodily heaviness]]''' - This creates the sensation that the body is floating and has become entirely weightless. This effect is stimulating and encourages physical activities by making the body feel light and effortless to move. This effects is amplified when compared with DXM alone. DPH however can also produce bodily heaviness and increase in percieved gravity, especially at the beginning of the experience or if higher dosages of DPH are used than DXM.  
*'''[[Effect::Perception of bodily lightness]]''' & '''[[Effect::Perception of bodily heaviness]]''' - This creates the sensation that the body is floating and has become entirely weightless. This effect is stimulating and encourages physical activities by making the body feel light and effortless to move. This effects is amplified when compared with DXM alone. DPH however can also produce bodily heaviness and increase in percieved gravity, especially at the beginning of the experience or if higher dosages of DPH are used than DXM.  
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*'''[[Effect::Physical fatigue]]''' - This effect can become very strong during the comedown.
*'''[[Effect::Physical fatigue]]''' - This effect can become very strong during the comedown.
*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]''' - This results in increased feelings of touch, pain, warmth and orgasms. It is usually only present at very low dosages.
*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]''' - This results in increased feelings of touch, pain, warmth and orgasms. It is usually only present at very low dosages.
*'''[[Effect::Tactile suppression]]''' - This produces feelings of numbness throughout the body. This is attributed to DPH's ability to block sodium channels within the nerves<ref>Block of sodium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by diphenhydramine | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899300028602?via%3Dihub</ref> and DXM's NMDA antagonism. At higher dosages, this can lead to massive amounts of pain relief comparable to anesthesia.
*'''[[Effect::Tactile suppression]]''' - This produces feelings of numbness throughout the body. This is attributed to DPH's ability to block sodium channels within the nerves<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Kim, Y. S.)), ((Shin, Y. K.)), ((Lee, C.-S.)), ((Song, J.-H.)) | journal=Brain Research | title=Block of sodium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by diphenhydramine | volume=881 | issue=2 | pages=190–198 | date=27 October 2000 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899300028602 | issn=0006-8993 | doi=10.1016/S0006-8993(00)02860-2}}</ref> and DXM's NMDA antagonism. At higher dosages, this can lead to massive amounts of pain relief comparable to anesthesia.
*'''[[Effect::Tactile hallucination]]''' - This is often a direct result of visual [[external hallucinations|hallucinations]] and they commonly feel and look extremely realistic.
*'''[[Effect::Tactile hallucination]]''' - This is often a direct result of visual [[external hallucinations|hallucinations]] and they commonly feel and look extremely realistic.
*'''[[Effect::Skin flushing]]''' - Flushed skin occurs mostly around the eyes, but can also be seen all over the body.
*'''[[Effect::Skin flushing]]''' - Flushed skin occurs mostly around the eyes, but can also be seen all over the body.
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*'''[[Effect::Motivation suppression]]'''<ref name="Reissig" />
*'''[[Effect::Motivation suppression]]'''<ref name="Reissig" />
*'''[[Effect::Personal bias suppression]]''' - This effect is not usually as pronounced.
*'''[[Effect::Personal bias suppression]]''' - This effect is not usually as pronounced.
*'''[[Effect::Psychosis]]''' - This effect is more reliably induced tha when either substance is taken alone.
*'''[[Effect::Psychosis]]''' - This effect is more reliably induced than when either substance is taken alone.
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]'''
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''{{Main|Diphenhydramine#Toxicity}}''
''{{Main|Diphenhydramine#Toxicity}}''


When taken in combination, it should be noted that enormous amounts of strain can be put on the circulatory system, as both substances increase one's heart rate and blood pressure. This can become dangerous in high dosages. The toxicity of both substances is also present. States of agitated delirium can pose a significant risk to the person as they are subject to injuring themselves by falling or walking in dangerous areas such as roads.
When taken in combination, it should be noted that enormous amounts of strain can be put on the circulatory system, as both substances increase one's heart rate and blood pressure. This can become dangerous in high dosages. The toxicity of both substances is also present. States of agitated delirium can pose a significant risk to the person as they are subject to confusion and a general inability to properly assess visual and audio stimuli.


==Legal issues==
==Legal issues==

Latest revision as of 17:16, 6 July 2023

The combination of DXM and DPH is reported to produce potentially dangerous experiences both physiologically and mentally, especially at higher doses.

The deliriant and dissociative effects associated with recreational doses of this combination are highly unpredictable and may result in erratic behaviors, self-injury, physical side effects such as dangerously elevated heart rate or blood pressure, hospitalization, or (in extreme cases) death. Please use harm reduction practices if using this combination (e.g. starting with low dosages and always having a trip sitter). Refer to this section for more details.

DXM & DPH
The molecular structure of Dextromethorphan.
The molecular structure of Diphenhydramine.
Class Membership
Psychoactive class Dissociative and Deliriant
Chemical class Morphinan and Antihistamine
Routes of Administration

WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.



Oral
Dosage
Threshold 50 / 50 mg
Light 100 / 100 mg
Common 200 / 200 mg
Strong 300 / 300 mg
Heavy 350 / 350 mg Heavy doses can produce dangerous side effects and are highly advised against.
Duration
Total 8 - 22 hours
Onset 20 - 60 minutes
Peak 3 - 12 hours
Offset 4 - 10 hours
After effects 6 - 48 hours









DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.

Interactions


The Dextromethorphan (DXM) and Diphenhydramine (DPH) combination experience (also known as counterflipping) is a substance combination, that when taken, produces an array of uniquely hallucinogenic, dissociative and powerful deliriant effects when administered.

This article is something that PsychonautWiki is documenting because although there are a huge variety of drug combinations, most of them simply induce the effects of the two separate drugs alongside each other in a very predictable manner. However, the combination of DXM and DPH does just the opposite of that, producing a very unique synergy when taken together, potentiating the positive aspects of the other substance whilst simultaneously suppressing its perceived negative or uncomfortable side effects; with distinct visual and hallucinatory effects that are sometimes not found in neither substance when taken on their own. Although, despite the unique and positive effects, this combination can readily also produce significantly dangerous physical and psychological effects, sometimes at relatively common dosages.

Typically, dosages for both DXM and DPH are both taken in equal amounts, for example, 300 milligrams of DXM with 300 milligrams of DPH, although some users prefer higher or lower amounts of either substance. This makes the spectrum of the combination very broad and the effects and dangers can vary significantly. It is strongly advised that users without extensive experience do not go over a light to common dose of both DXM and DPH alone when combining the two in recreational doses.

Both substances strongly amplify each other's effects; while DPH inhibits the metabolism of DXM and increases its concentration,[citation needed] DXM in turn suppresses the perceived dysphoric and anxiogenic effects of DPH and powerfully amplifying its hallucinations and deliriant properties.[citation needed] Even at common doses, some may be subject to extreme states of dissociation and delirium, possibly not being able to effectively perceive or respond to external events. This depends heavily on body chemistry, which is already a unique effect seen with DXM and one might respond completely differently from another person even with the same dosages.

This combination is very physically taxing, especially since the dangerous effects are suppressed and they can become unnoticed by the user. It is highly advised to use doses below the common range due to the risk of effects such as toxicity, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, rhabdomyolysis and agitated mental states such as delirium or panic attacks. People with preexisting cardiovascular problems should avoid this combination and further substances should not be taken during the experience. It is strongly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this combination.

Chemistry

Pharmacology

When taken in combination, Diphenhydramine acts as a pharmologically significant CYP2D/CYP2D6 inhibitor[1] and thus inhibits the breakdown of DXM into DXO.[2]

Subjective effects

When taken in combination, DXM and DPH both lessen the perceived uncomfortable side effects of the other substance. For example, due to DPH’s nausea suppressing abilities, the nausea associated with DXM is almost entirely absent. In return, DXM’s dissociating and anesthetic-like qualities have an extremely positive effect on the physical dysphoria found within DPH. This completely eliminates the muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, restless leg syndrome, and extreme dehydration experienced when DPH is used by itself. This allows the unique delirium, hallucinations and visual effects of the DPH experience to become much more accessible to your average person.

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Physical effects

Visual effects

Cognitive effects

Auditory effects

Afterglow


Toxicity and harm potential

When taken in combination, it should be noted that enormous amounts of strain can be put on the circulatory system, as both substances increase one's heart rate and blood pressure. This can become dangerous in high dosages. The toxicity of both substances is also present. States of agitated delirium can pose a significant risk to the person as they are subject to confusion and a general inability to properly assess visual and audio stimuli.

See also

References

  1. Hiroi, T., Ohishi, N., Imaoka, S., Yabusaki, Y., Fukui, H., Funae, Y. (February 1995). "Mepyramine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, inhibits the metabolic activity of rat and human P450 2D forms". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 272 (2): 939–944. ISSN 0022-3565. 
  2. Jacqz-Aigrain, E., Cresteil, T. (1992). "Cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of dextromethorphan: fetal and adult studies". Developmental Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 18 (3–4): 161–168. ISSN 0379-8305. 
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 Reissig, C. J., Carter, L. P., Johnson, M. W., Mintzer, M. Z., Klinedinst, M. A., Griffiths, R. R. (September 2012). "High doses of dextromethorphan, an NMDA antagonist, produce effects similar to classic hallucinogens". Psychopharmacology. 223 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1007/s00213-012-2680-6. ISSN 0033-3158. 
  4. Thakur, A. C., Aslam, A. K., Aslam, A. F., Vasavada, B. C., Sacchi, T. J., Khan, I. A. (15 February 2005). "QT interval prolongation in diphenhydramine toxicity". International Journal of Cardiology. 98 (2): 341–343. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2003.10.051. ISSN 0167-5273. 
  5. Kim, Y. S., Shin, Y. K., Lee, C.-S., Song, J.-H. (27 October 2000). "Block of sodium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by diphenhydramine". Brain Research. 881 (2): 190–198. doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(00)02860-2. ISSN 0006-8993.