Drugs of Abuse: Sympathomimetics
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Published on: October 2, 2016
Hallie Brown1, Katherine A Pollard2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 720 Eskenazi Avenue, Fifth Third Bank Building - Third Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Abstract:
Sympathomimetic drugs comprise a broad category of substances including both illicit and prescribed drugs that have deleterious effects when ingested or abused. The clinical syndromes that result from overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by reuptake inhibition of biogenic amines, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, carry significant morbidity. Recognition and awareness of the appropriate supportive measures are required to mitigate life-threatening complications of multiple organ systems. The sympathomimetic toxidrome is recognized by a constellation of symptoms including agitation, hyperthermia, tachycardia, and hypertension, and the primary treatment involves supportive care, including the liberal use of benzodiazepines.
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