TY - JOUR
T1 - Psychostimulant poisoning
AU - McCormack, Dan
AU - Buckley, Nicholas A.
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - Psychostimulants are sympathomimetic activators of the central nervous system. Licit examples include caffeine, decongestants, methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and some drugs for weight loss. While these have the potential for abuse, the major problem in Australia is illicit use of amphetamines, ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and cocaine. These substances are taken to produce feelings of euphoria and well-being, increased energy and alertness. Potential problems with toxicity range from tachycardia and hypervigilance to seizures, psychosis and serotonin syndrome. Management is primarily directed at reversing the excitation of the central nervous system by sedation with benzodiazepines, but more specific treatments are occasionally indicated.
AB - Psychostimulants are sympathomimetic activators of the central nervous system. Licit examples include caffeine, decongestants, methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and some drugs for weight loss. While these have the potential for abuse, the major problem in Australia is illicit use of amphetamines, ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and cocaine. These substances are taken to produce feelings of euphoria and well-being, increased energy and alertness. Potential problems with toxicity range from tachycardia and hypervigilance to seizures, psychosis and serotonin syndrome. Management is primarily directed at reversing the excitation of the central nervous system by sedation with benzodiazepines, but more specific treatments are occasionally indicated.
KW - Amphetamines
KW - Drug abuse
KW - Overdose
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33746888121&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.18773/austprescr.2006.068
DO - 10.18773/austprescr.2006.068
M3 - Short survey
SN - 0312-8008
VL - 29
SP - 109
EP - 111
JO - Australian Prescriber
JF - Australian Prescriber
IS - 4
ER -