History
Many patients with amphetamine intoxication are identified by a change of mental status alone. In other cases, the mental status change is associated with another injury and/or illness. Trauma often accompanies amphetamine intoxication and should be sought in the evaluation of the patient.
Central nervous system manifestations are as follows:
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Change of mental status, disorientation, and headache
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Dyskinesias
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Agitation
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Formication
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Symptoms of stroke
Cardiovascular manifestations are as follows:
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Chest pain
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Palpitations
Gastrointestinal manifestations are as follows:
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Dry mouth
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhea
Skin/cutaneous manifestations are as follows:
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Diaphoresis
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Erythematous painful rashes, needle marks
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Infected deep ulcerations (ecthyma)
Genitourinary (GU) manifestations include difficult micturition. Ocular manifestations include mydriasis.
Physical
Physical examination findings may demonstrate the strong central nervous system and peripheral nervous system stimulation produced by amphetamine compounds. Hyperthermia accompanies and complicates significant amphetamine intoxication. [20] Modification of the basic amphetamine molecule produces compounds with variable effects on target organs. Methamphetamine produces prominent central nervous system effects with minimal cardiovascular stimulation.
Long-term users of intravenous amphetamines are at risk of infection and vascular injury.
General findings are as follows:
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Weight loss
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Hyperactivity, confusion, and agitation (may combine to produce severe hyperthermia, which can be worse in physically restrained individuals)
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Diaphoresis
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Mydriasis
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Anorexia
Cardiovascular findings are as follows:
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Alpha- and beta-adrenergic stimulation can lead to systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases
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Heart rate may be unchanged or slow in response to hypertension
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Increasing doses produce tachycardia and other dysrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation
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Hypertensive crisis or vasospasm may lead to stroke
Central nervous system findings are as follows:
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Increased alertness
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Euphoria
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Confusion or agitation
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Bruxism
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Stroke caused by acute amphetamine toxicity
Cutaneous findings are as follows:
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Skin flushing
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Infected deep ulcerations (ecthyma) in patients with formication
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Skin track marks, cellulitis, abscesses, phlebitis, or vasculitis with intravenous use
Other organ system findings are as follows:
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Respiratory distress secondary to acute lung injury (ALI), in patients who smoke amphetamines
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Gastrointestinal - Nausea or vomiting
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Dental - "Meth mouth," a condition of eroded teeth
Causes
Marked tolerance develops after amphetamine use and leads to rapid escalation of drug doses. Increasing the dose produces increasing toxicity and complications from acute and chronic amphetamine use.
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Amphetamine and epinephrine.
