Describe the toxidromes and complications seen with common illicit drugs used in Australia

- Describes the set of signs and symptoms that are suggestive of use of a certain class of toxins.

Definition of toxidrome

- Hyperalert, agitated, hallucinating, paranoia.

Mental status of someone who has used sympathomimetic drugs

- Mydriasis.

Pupils of someone who has used sympathomimetic drugs

- Hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, widened pulse pressure, tachypnoea.

Vital signs of someone who has used sympathomimetic drugs

- Diaphoresis, tremors, hyperreflexia, seizures, pale skin.

Other manifestations of someone who has used sympathomimetic drugs

- Cocaine, amphetamines, theophylline, caffeine.

Examples of sympathomimetic drugs

- Agitation, hallucination, delirium, mumbling with speech.

Mental status of someone who has used anticholinergic drugs

- Mydriasis.

Pupils of someone who has used anticholinergic drugs

- Hyperthermia but with impaired sweating.

- Tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnoea.

Vital signs of someone who has used anticholinergic drugs

- Dry flushed skin, dry mucus membranes, urinary retention, twitching, tremors.

Other manifestations of someone who has used anticholinergic drugs

- Antihistamines, antidepressants.

Examples of anticholinergic drugs

- Hallucinations, perceptual distortions, agitation.

Mental status of someone who has used hallucinogenic drugs

- Mydriasis usually.

Pupils of someone who has used hallucinogenic drugs

- Hyperthermia, tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnoea.

Vital signs of someone who has used hallucinogenic drugs

- Nystagmus, pale skin.

Other vital signs of someone who has used hallucinogenic drugs

- LSD, MDMA, ecstasy.

Examples of hallucinogenics

- CNS depression, coma.

Mental status of someone who has used opioids

- Miosis.

Pupils of someone who has used opioids

- Bradypnoea, hypothermia, bradycardia, hypotension.

Vital signs of someone who has used opioids

- Hyporeflexia, pulmonary edema, needle marks.

Other manifestations of someone who has used opioids

- Heroin, morphine, methadone, oxycodone.

Examples of opioids

- CNS depression, confusion, stupor, coma.

Mental status of someone who has used sedative-hypnotic drugs

- Variable.

Pupils of someone who has used sedative-hypnotic drugs

- Often normal.

Vital signs of someone who has used sedative-hypnotic drugs

- Hyporeflexia and diaphoretic.

Other manifestations of someone who has used sedative-hypnotic drugs

- Benzos and alcohols.

Examples of sedative-hypnotic drugs

- Confusion, coma.

Mental status of someone who has used cholinergic drugs

- Miosis.

Pupils of someone who has used cholinergic drugs

- Salivation, urinary and GI incontinence, diarrhoea, vomiting.

Vital signs of someone who has used cholinergic drugs

- Insecticides, nerve agents, nicotine.

Examples of cholinergic drugs