A new and dangerous way for teens to get high, known by names such as "robotripping" or "tussing," has caught the attention of state Assemblyman Joe Simitian, who is introducing a bill designed to limit the availability of the drug teens are using for this purpose and staunch its growing popularity.

The culprit is dextromethorphan, or DXM, an ingredient found in over-the-counter cough medicine and cold remedies. Buying and using DXM is more and more becoming an inexpensive and easy way to abuse drugs, Simitian said. "Anyone can go to the store to buy this stuff. It's an over-the-counter medicine. And kids are not buying just one bottle or box, they're buying several at a time," Simitian said.

To counter this trend, Simitian has introduced legislation that should make that purchase more difficult. AB 1853 will prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from buying nonprescription drugs containing DXM.

A state toxicologist said the drugs could be deadly if abused. "DXM abuse in teenagers is a serious problem," said Dr. Ilene Anderson, a clinical pharmacist and toxicologist with the California Poison Control System. "We've seen a significant increase in the abuse and overdose of DXM-containing cold products in the last four years. Many of these patients require hospital treatment."

Two Palo Alto police officers recently witnessed a 14-year-old having a heart attack and another teen having a seizure after taking an overdose of Coricidin, an over-the-counter cough medicine that contains DXM.

The DXM bill was reviewed on March 23 in the Assembly Health Committee at the State Capitol in Sacramento, where it met stiff opposition from retailers and drug companies.

Hospital launches a recruiting campaign

O'Connor Hospital has launched a 100-day employee recruiting campaign titled "Special People, Special Place" to fill all open positions at the nonprofit hospital, which was founded in 1889.

In addition to internal and external promotions, the hospital is staging three career fairs aimed at health-care professionals from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on April 1, May 1 and June 1 in the medical office building adjacent to the hospital, 2105 Forest Ave., San Jose.

High on the hospital's wish list are nurses in ICU, medical/surgery, labor and delivery, the Family Center, and the critical care unit and for night shifts. It is also seeking physical therapists, radiology technicians, clinical lab scientists and radiation therapists.

For additional information, visit www.oconnorhospital.org or call the new job hotline at 408.947.2878.