China Adds More Drugs to Controlled List in Ramped-Up Effort to Combat Abuse

China has decided to classify four drugs, including the widely misused cough suppressant dextromethorphan, as controlled psychotropic substances starting July 1. This action is part of a broader initiative to combat drug abuse, particularly among teenagers [para. 1][para. 2]. The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), along with the Ministry of Public Security and the National Health Commission, announced that these drugs—dextromethorphan, diphenoxylate-containing compound, nalfurafine, and lorcaserin—will now be included in category II of psychotropic drugs [para. 2].

The reclassification subjects these medications to stricter regulations regarding their sale and usage. They are primarily used for treating conditions such as coughs, diarrhea, itching, promoting weight loss, and as anesthetics. Under the new rules, these drugs can only be sold with a prescription from a licensed physician and in prescribed dosages. Additionally, their sale to minors is strictly prohibited [para. 3][para. 4].

The implications of being listed under category II are severe; these drugs will be regulated as stringently as illegal narcotics like heroin and methamphetamine. Violations related to the misuse or illicit sale of these substances could result in detention, fines, mandatory segregation for users, and criminal charges for sellers [para. 5].

This regulatory shift comes in response to ongoing issues with drug abuse among youths. Dextromethorphan (DXM), in particular, has been highlighted due to its popularity and addictive potential among teenagers. Despite its legitimate medical use in treating coughs from respiratory infections, DXM abuse can lead to serious health risks including brain damage and death due to respiratory depression [para. 6].

Previously in December 2021, the NMPA had moved DXM from an over-the-counter medicine to a prescription-only drug. However, this measure did not fully address the problem as loopholes still allowed teenagers easy access to DXM through both online and offline channels [para. 7]. In response to continued misuse, further restrictions were introduced in 2022 banning the retail sale of DXM online [para. 8].

Despite these efforts by authorities to tighten control over drug sales and usage among teens in China—a country known for having some of the strictest drug laws globally—the problem persists. Reports indicate that abuse of drugs like DXM continues unabated in certain regions [para. 9]. Experts have pointed out that while China's nationwide drug monitoring system is robust at tracking many forms of substance abuse it falls short when it comes to detecting young users of DXM due to their more secretive purchasing habits [para. 10].

Front-line doctors and professionals dealing with juvenile drug abuse stress that prevention strategies should focus more on addressing the underlying emotional instability driving youth towards substance misuse rather than solely on controlling drug availability [para. 11].