Abuse of an Euphoretic Combination

Abstract

To the Editor:— Glutethimide (Doriden), which is chemically related to thalidomide, has been prescribed widely for its sedative and hypnotic effects on psychiatric patients. This drug can cause toxic effects, addiction, and death from an overdosage; furthermore, its sudden cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms in an addict. Although glutethimide is usually used alone or occasionally with psychoactive drugs, to the best of our knowledge, a combination of codeine and glutethimide to induce and prolong euphoria has not been reported. The case reported here may illustrate incipient widespread abuse of a new euphoretic combination. Report of a Case:— A 24-year-old single, white man was admitted for glutethimide addiction and paranoid delusions. Abuse of drugs began at age 17 with 3 to 4 oz of cough medicine containing 180 to 240 mg of codeine (Robitussin A-C) daily for kicks. It was later supplemented with 1.5 to 2 gm of glutethimide to increase