Fun drugs... Flashcards
What are the signs of alcohol intoxication?…wait…never mind…What are the signs/symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
Mild: anxiety, tremor, seizures, insomnia (common to depressants)
Severe: delirium tremens
What is delirium tremens? When does it occur? How is it treated?
Autonomic system hyperactivity (tachycardia, tremors, anxiety, seizures); psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions); confusion
DTs peak 2-5 days after last drink
DTs are treated with benzodiazepines
What are the signs of opioid intoxication?
Euphoria
Respiratory and CNS depression
Decreased gag reflex
Pupillary constriction
OD…seizures
What are the signs of opioid withdrawal?
Sweating Dilated pupils Goose bumps Flu-like symptoms (fever, rhinorrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea) Yawning
What are the treatment options for opioid withdrawal?
Methadone (long half-life)
Buprenorphine (partial agonist)
Barbiturates have a low TI and can cause severe respiratory depression. What are some potential side effects of withdrawing long-term barbiturates?
Delirium
Life-threatening CV collapse
Benzos are relatively mild. What is seen with benzo intoxication? Withdrawal?
Benzos cause ataxia and minor respiratory depression
Withdrawal can cause sleep disturbances, depression, rebound anxiety, or seizures
Amphetamines basically create a hyper-sympathetic state (complete with pupillary dilation and paranoia). What are the signs of withdrawal?
Anhedonia (expected)
Increased appetite (have to make up for lost meals…)
Hypersomnolence (have to make up for lost sleep…)
Existential crisis
How is amphetamine overdose treated?
Acidification (NH4+Cl-)
Cocaine presents similar to meth…sympathetic overload. Thus, its withdrawal symptoms are also very similar. What are they?
Hypersomnolence
Malaise
Severe psychological craving
Depression/suicidality
How is a cocaine overdose treated?
Benzos
What is the biggest concern with PCP intoxication?
Trauma…to themselves or to those around them
What are the treatment options for PCP overdose?
Benzos
rapid-acting antipsychotics
What are the symptoms of PCP withdrawal?
Depression Anxiety Irritability Restlessness Anergia Disturbances of thought and sleep
What are the symptoms of pot withdrawal? How long do they last?
Irritability Depression Insomnia Nausea Anorexia
Symptoms peak at 48 hours and last 5-7 days
