Central Nervous System Stimulants

· Central Nervous System Stimulants (Cocaine, methamphetamine)

o S/S: Agitation, aggressiveness, mydriasis, hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, dysrhythmias, and paranoia.

o TX: Fluid resuscitation, activated charcoal, benzodiazepines, cool patient aggressively, vasodilators.

o Complications: Hemorrhagic stroke, coronary artery vasospasm (Prinzmetal’s Angina), MI, rhabdomyolysis leading to hyperkalemia and acute tubular necrosis (ATN).

o Whole bowel irrigation or surgical removal for ingested balloons “body packers”.

· Designer Drugs “Bath Salts” and “Synthetic Cannabinoids”

o S/S: Hallucinations, paranoia, excited delirium, tachycardia, hypertension.

· Hallucinogen - Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

o S/S: Distorted reality, tachycardia, hypertension, dilated pupils, hyperthermia, “flashbacks” in long-term use.

· Hallucinogen – Phencyclidine (PCP)

o S/S: Delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, dilated pupils, lack of pain sensation so increased strength.