Poisoning and overdose Flashcards
What is deliberate self-poisoning?
Where someone has taken recreational drugs. We tend to just call it poisoning though
What is the duration of effect?
The length of time that a particular drug is effective. The duration of effect is highly variable dependent on the drug.
What is amphetamine?
Speed
Its a white powder that is snorted, smoked or injected
How does amphetamine work?
It stimulates the sympathetic nervous system resulting in tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia and hyperslertness
What is cocaine?
Blow, crack, coke
White powder that is snorted, smoked or injected.
What effect does cocaine have?
Alertness, general stimulation (highly addictive)
What is heroin?
Smack
White or off white powder, mixed with water and injected
What does heroin do?
Depressant.
Altered LOC, respiratory depression, respiratory arrest
What is LSD?
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Acid
Sheets of blotting paper covered with psychedelic patterns and impregnated with the drug.
What does LSD do?
Hallucinogen.
Visual, auditory, tactile. Paranoia, delusions
What is ketamine?
K, Special K
Liquid, usually in labelled ampoules
What does ketamine do?
Altered LOC, hallucinations
What is Psilocibin?
Magic mushrooms
Can be dried
What do magic mushrooms do?
Hallucinations, GI discomfort, muscarinis poisoning
What is marijuna?
Weed, dak, dope, grass
Dried leaves of cannabis plant, usually smoked, can be ingested
What does weed do?
Sedation, mild hallucinations, increased appetite
What is GHB?
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate
G, Fantasy, Liquid E
Sedative agent with an unknown mechanism of action
How do we think GHB works?
It has a similar chemical structure as GABA. It probably binds to GABA receptors in the brain, causing depression of the central nervous system, GHB was originally developed as an anaesthetic.
What are the effects of GHB?
most users experience euphoria, hallucinations and other symptoms similar to being drunk.
Some users will experience a loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest and death
What is the duration of effect of GHB?
GHB will take effect in 20 minutes and will typically last 4-6 hours.
What are the signs and symptoms of GHB poisoning?
Altered LOC (>60% will have a GCS of
How does MDMA work?
It blocks the reuptake of monoamines (noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin). These are all involved in sensation, pleasure and arousal. Noradrenaline in particular is the main neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system so many of the effects seen in a patient who has taken MDMA or any other methamphetamine are a result of overstimulation of the SNS.
What are the common effects of MDMA?
Altered LOC Anxiety/paranoia Restlessness/dyskinesia (unable to sit still) Hyperthermia Tachycardia Palpitations Dysrhythmias Chest pain Diaphoresis Urinary retention Mydriasis (dilated pupils) Bruxism (clenching jaw and grinding teeth)
What is methamphetamine?
P, Pure, Meth, Crystal meth, Ice
Either powder or crystals. Can be inhaled nasally or smoked. Can also be mixed with water and injected IV.
Has a half life of up to 20 hours.
What are the common side effects of methamphetamine?
Altered LOC Anxiety/paranoia Seizures Stroke like symptoms Tachycardia Palpitations Chest ppain Dysrythmias Hypertension
What are some of the effects of alcohol?
Altered LOC
Altered behaviour
Aphasia (slurred, incomprehensible or nonsensical speech)
Ataxia (stumbling gait)
Dehydration
Decreased respiration (leading to respiratory arrest)
Hypotension
What do we concentrate on the most when it comes to patients who have ingested recreational drugs?
Primary survey - in particular, airway.
