DXM is classified under which drug category?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is classified as a dissociative anesthetic. This classification is due to its ability to induce a detachment from reality, as well as its effects on perception and cognition. DXM is commonly found in many over-the-counter cough medicines and, when taken in higher doses, produces effects similar to those of other dissociative anesthetics, leading to altered sensory perception and a sense of disconnection from the body and environment.

The dissociative nature of DXM distinguishes it from other drug categories. For example, while stimulants increase alertness and energy, and depressants tend to slow down brain activity, DXM uniquely alters one’s state of consciousness by creating sensations of detachment. In contrast to hallucinogens, which primarily lead to altered perception of reality through visual or auditory hallucinations, DXM's effects may include both dissociation and mild hallucinations but are more specifically tied to its anesthetic properties. This makes the classification as a dissociative anesthetic particularly appropriate for DXM.