Amfetamine overdose
RIS ID
62051
Abstract
Large burden of dependency and toxicity worldwide stems from both legitimate and recreational ingestion of drug by nearly 25 million users annually. Overdose and toxicity strike inconsistently among new, occasional, chronic, and binge users. Intentional overdose is also encountered. Tachycardia, hyperthermia, volume depletion, agitation, seizures, and rhabdomyolysis are sentinel findings. Diagnosis facilitated by high index of suspicion and urine amfetamine screening. Treatment is initiated before receiving laboratory results. Hyperthermia often requires close monitoring and pharmacotherapy appropriate to an intensive care setting. Despite relative lack of short-term consequences (most victims recover fully), there are legitimate concerns that chronic use may lead to eventual permanent cognitive deterioration.
Publication Details
Jones, A. L. Kable, S. (2011). Amfetamine overdose. BMJ - Best Practice, online