Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Torsades de pointes and self-terminating ventricular fibrillation in a prescription methadone user
D Atkinson1, A Dunne, M Parker
1Critical Care Unit, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK. dougal.atkinson@btinternet.com
Abstract:
Methadone is known to prolong the QT interval and precipitate torsades de pointes. A 54-year-old prescription methadone user with hypokalaemia was referred to Critical Care with acute confusion and respiratory distress. Alcohol withdrawal was the presumed precipitant. The real precipitant only became evident on analysis of a 24-h ECG (Holter monitor) attached to the patient at the time. The patient had suffered prolonged (10 min) ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes and self-terminating ventricular fibrillation. The patient made a full recovery. Risk factors for acquired long QT syndrome and the treatment of torsades de pointes are discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Several...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

