Dextromethorphan, an over the counter cough suppressant is gaining
popularity among teenagers and young adults because of its easy availability,
relatively low price and most importantly the feeling good effects that it
brought when used in megadoses. We are reporting three cases of
dextromethorphan abuse and its clinical presentations. We discussed about
the factors that contribute to the current situation of uncontrolled usage of
dextromethorphan in our population especially in Sarawak. We also looked
into some of the steps that we can take in order to prevent the situation from
becoming worse.
Decision making capacity is the basis for medical decision making. A person’s right to determine his or her own health care related decision has long been established and this forms the essence of medical treatment. This fundamental right extends to patients with mental health disorder who have the capacity to make such decisions. Where a mental disorder is evident, our experiences in the local settings suggested that clinicians are inclined to state that incapacity to decide for medical treatment is present without much assessment or exploration and explanation on the proposed treatment. Many patients with mental disorder in fact are capable at making decisions related to health care. Their rights to decide on medical treatment should be respected and not to be ignored.