Using data from poison-control centers, researchers at the University of California San Francisco and elsewhere have found that reported cases of cough syrup overdoses among minors ages 9 to 17 increased fifteen-fold over a five-year period. The highest number of cases involved 15 and 16-year-olds. Dextromethorphan, or DXM, is the active ingredient in some of the most popular nonprescription cough suppressants. It can produce euphoric highs and intense hallucinations when taken in significantly higher doses than what's recommended. Serious side effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of muscle control, seizures and psychosis. Researchers blamed the jump on easy access to information on the Internet about D-X-M -- which is also known as Dex, Robo, Skittles, CCC and Triple C. Cough medicine is also cheap, with one package producing a hallucinatory high similar to the effects of PCP. Researchers say the most popular brand of choice for abuse is Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold Tablets, an over-the-counter medication designed for people with high blood pressure. The study was published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine