Stimulant intoxication and Withdrawal

Effect of Amphetamines and Cocaine

Euphoria

Sociability

Hyper vigilance

Anxiety

High energy

VS: Increase HR and BP

When does intoxication from caffeine usually occure

excess of 250 mg

What is a major risk of stimulant withdrawal?

SUICIDE → monitor closely for depression and SI → Provide emotional support

What is stimulant withdrawal often referred to as?

Crashing

Amphetamine and cocaine withdrawal

DYSPHORIA (depression → suicide risk)

intense FATIGUE

sleep disturbance

Increase in appetite

Caffeine Withdrawal

HA

Fatigue

Drowsy

Dysphoric

Irritable

Muscle Pain

N/V

Nicotine withdrawal

Dysphoria

Anxiety

Difficulty concentrating

Irritable 

Increased appetite

Restless

How is the treatment of stimulant intoxication usual begun?

Minor tranquilizers → chordiazepoxide → May progress to major tranquilizers → Haloperidol

Risk of treating with antipsychotics

Lowered seizure threshold → anticonvulsants

What is the aim of treating stimulant withdrawal?

Managing severe DEPRESSION

To manage severe depression what can be given?

Antidepressants