Toxicology of Psychoactive Substances
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Published on: October 2, 2016
Lara Prisco1, Aarti Sarwal2, Mario Ganau3
1Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 1 West Wing, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 6 West Wing, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
Abstract:
A trend in the increasing use of prescription psychoactive drugs (PADs), including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, has been reported in the United States and globally. In addition, there has been an increase in the production and usage of illicit PADs and emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) all over the world. PADs pose unique challenges for critical care providers who may encounter toxicology issues due to drug interactions, side effects, or drug overdoses. This article provides a summary of the toxicologic features of commonly used and abused PADs: antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, hallucinogens, NPSs, caffeine, nicotine, and cannabis.
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