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[Self-poisoning with Datura stramonium. 3 case reports]
P Birmes1, V Chounet, M Mazerolles
1Département des Urgences, CHU de Toulouse. birmes.p@chu-toulouse.fr
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|February 20, 2002
Summary
Datura stramonium, a hallucinogenic plant, can cause severe poisoning due to its anticholinergic properties. This review highlights the typical symptoms and effective symptomatic treatment for Datura intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Datura stramonium is a widely available hallucinogenic plant known for causing severe poisoning.
- Its potent anticholinergic properties lead to its misuse as a recreational drug by adolescents and substance users.
- Ingestion of any part of the plant can result in significant toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical syndrome associated with Datura stramonium toxicity.
- To inform primary care physicians about the risks and management of Datura abuse.
- To emphasize the need for patient education regarding Datura stramonium.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis of three individuals with acute self-poisoning by Datura stramonium ingestion.
- Clinical observation of anticholinergic syndrome symptoms.
- Review of existing literature on Datura intoxication.
Main Results:
- Patients presented with agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and combative behavior.
- Mydriasis (pupillary dilation) was consistently observed; dry mouth and tachycardia were less frequent.
- All patients had a good prognosis, requiring hospitalization for severe psychiatric disturbances and agitated behavior, managed effectively with symptomatic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Datura intoxication is characterized by severe hallucinations, confusion, pupillary dilation, flushing, dry mouth, and tachycardia.
- Symptomatic treatment is an effective management strategy for Datura stramonium poisoning.
- Awareness and education regarding Datura stramonium abuse, often linked to substance misuse, are crucial for primary care physicians and at-risk populations.