'Skittling' Is Recent Drug Craze for Teens Says Prosecuting Atty.

A recent craze in youth drug abuse involves young people taking overdoses of Coricidin brand cold medicine, and other medicines containing dextromethorphan, which they call "skittles," "red devils," or "crazy eights," reported Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Peppler January 10.

He urged parents to be aware of the trend and watch for warning signs of "skittling," such as medicine missing from boxes, empty boxes found in backpacks, purses, or bedrooms, unexplained illness combined with sudden changes in behavior or appearance, or a child who has a "spacey" look and has trouble maintaining balance.

The over-the-counter cold remedy looks like candy, and youth, including some as young as 14 in Chippewa County, are not just taking the recommended dosage of one or two tablets, but eight or more at one time to make them feel drunk, Mr. Peppler reported.

Any product, typically medications to treat colds, containing the active ingredient dextromethorphan may be used by youth in this manner.

"To quote a recent public service announcement, 'If your children are not with you, they are with someone else,' and do you know what they are doing?" Mr. Peppler said. Abuse of the medication can lead to hallucinations, spikes in blood pressure, seizures, and even death.