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Most over-the-counter cough syrups work two-fold. First, they are a thick syrup that helps to coat the throat and ease the itching and burning. Second, they contain a chemical called "Dextromethorphan", which has a dissociative effect. Because the mind is distanced from the body, the cough-threshold is raised. Because of this effect, the chemical is abused by many recreational drug users. This is why many cough syrups will have a very bitter taste, or have a side-effect of nausea. This is to prevent over-use of the product.

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18y ago

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