Abstract
Amphetamine abuse is widespread and associated with significant health risk. The most commonly encountered amphetamines are methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy), and the ephedra alkaloids. Although each of these harbors unique toxicity, they similarly impact the cardiovascular and neurological systems in overdose. Other serious complications associated with amphetamine abuse include severe hyperpyrexia and hyponatremia. Secondary conditions such as rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, hepatic necrosis, and renal failure are common, especially in those with hyperthermia. Chronic abuse poses risk of vasculitis, neuropsychiatric abnormalities, and cardiomyopathy. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence that even recreational abuse of methamphetamine and MDMA may produce long-lasting damage to dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Management principles include adequate sedation, aggressive cooling, and the use of titratable agents in the management of cardiovascular abnormalities.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.