Amphetamine poisoning

by Robertsen A, Kowalczyk M, Gabrielsen AM, Jacobsen D
Overvakingsavdelingen,
Klinikk for akuttmedisin,
Ulleval sykehus, Oslo
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1998 Nov 20;118(28):4340-3

ABSTRACT

We describe five patients with complications following amphetamine overdose. Two of the patients died: one with disseminated intravascular coagulation and circulatory collapse, one with severe rhabdomyolysis and ischemic colitis. Among the other three cases, one developed acute psychosis, hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis, one developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and one pericarditis. The effects of amphetamine are discussed along with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with such poisoning.