Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDMA, Bath Salts Overdose

All of these drugs cause symptoms and findings via sympathetic stimulation

Your Path

  • Cocaine, Amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, Bath Salts Overdose

Etiology

  • Injected, oral or inhaled

Risk Factors

  • History of substance abuse, prior overdose

Symptoms

  • Seizures
  • CNS Activation: Agitation, confusion
  • Anxiety, delusions, paranoia
  • Can be aggressive/violent
  • Chest pain, SOB from thrombus, ischemia, dissection
  • With meth: skin picking, skin crawling
  • As a result of focus only on obtaining/using meth: inattention to hygiene (unshowered, unkempt in general), weight loss, dental decay, loss of interest in anything else
  • Post-meth can "crash" - fatigue, listlessness, sleeping a lot

Physical Exam Findings

  • Agitated
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension
  • Diaphoretic
  • Febrile
  • Dilated pupils
  • Tremor
  • Seizures
  • Unkempt, poor hygiene
  • Normal muscle tone and reflexes