Emergency Medicine
Amphetamine Toxicity
Amphetamine toxicity is a clinical sympathomimetic emergency requiring rapid recognition of hyperthermia, agitation, seizures, cardiovascular ischemia or dysrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis, and co-ingestion, followed by targeted monitoring and escalation for organ-specific complications.
First Minutes
Identify patients needing resuscitation and monitored care
Prioritize physiologic threats over confirmation of the exposure.
Place patients with altered mental status, severe agitation, hyperthermia, seizure, chest pain, dyspnea, syncope, marked blood-pressure abnormality, or suspected mixed ingestion in a monitored setting. Amphetamine overdose can produce tachyarrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, circulatory collapse, vasospasm, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, seizures, stroke, coma, and rhabdomyolysis. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CII
Measure core temperature promptly when feasible in a patient with agitation, diaphoresis, rigidity, seizure, or depressed consciousness. Temperature greater than 104°F is identified in FDA labeling as life-threatening hyperthermia and should trigger immediate active cooling and evaluation for rhabdomyolysis and end-organ injury. accessdata fda+3accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIIScienceDirectCocaine Intoxication - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Assess airway protection, ventilation, circulation, glucose, mental status, and trauma at presentation. Do not attribute coma, focal neurologic deficit, persistent chest pain, shock, or a focal infectious syndrome solely to stimulant exposure; amphetamine-associated cerebral vascular accidents, cardiac ischemia, endocarditis in people injecting drugs, and bloodstream or bone/joint infections require disease-specific evaluation. accessdata fda+4accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIIPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical Management - PMC
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or consult a medical toxicologist for individualized overdose management, particularly with severe toxicity, prolonged symptoms, uncertain formulation, or suspected polysubstance exposure. accessdata fda+4accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govfda[PDF] Adzenys Labeling - FDAaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIIfda[PDF] Mydayis Labeling - FDA
Do not rely on dialysis for amphetamine elimination: d-amphetamine is not dialyzable. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CII
Avoid urine acidification as an elimination strategy; although it may increase excretion of some amphetamine derivatives, it may worsen renal toxicity when rhabdomyolysis is present. ScienceDirectScienceDirectCocaine Intoxication - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Diagnostic Branching
Use targeted testing to detect toxicity complications
Testing is driven by clinical severity and the organ system at risk.
Amphetamine toxicity is diagnosed clinically from exposure history, toxidrome, serial vital signs, mental-status examination, and complication screening. Patients may not disclose recent methamphetamine use, and the differential diagnosis of sympathomimetic findings is broad; obtain urine toxicology as an adjunct when it will clarify exposure or competing causes, not as the sole basis for diagnosis or disposition. BMJ+2BMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorderBMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice USPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
For moderate or severe presentations, obtain a CBC, comprehensive chemistry panel, CK, and urinalysis to identify renal dysfunction, electrolyte disturbance, and muscle injury. Add troponin for chest pain, dyspnea, concerning ECG findings, or suspected myocardial injury; BNP can assist when acute heart failure or methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy is suspected. PubMed+1PubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical Management - PMC
Obtain a 12-lead ECG for cardiovascular symptoms, hemodynamic instability, marked tachycardia, or suspected co-ingestion. When clinical findings suggest ischemia or structural cardiac disease, use serial cardiac assessment and imaging directed by the presentation; amphetamine exposure has been associated with vasospasm, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and tachyarrhythmia. accessdata fda+4accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIINEJMMyocardial Infarction after Inhalation of MethamphetaminePubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Consider blood or urine gas chromatography/mass spectrometry when definitive identification is clinically important, such as an unclear exposure with major medicolegal, diagnostic, or treatment implications. BMJ+1BMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorderBMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US
Obtain chest radiography when respiratory or cardiopulmonary findings warrant it; chest x-ray is among investigations used selectively in amphetamine toxicity. BMJ+1BMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorderBMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US
With injection exposure plus fever, murmur, embolic findings, or focal bone/joint symptoms, evaluate for endovascular, bloodstream, or musculoskeletal infection rather than attributing illness to intoxication. PubMed+1PubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical Management - PMC
Differentiate intoxication from serotonin syndrome
Amphetamine products can precipitate serotonin syndrome, particularly with concomitant serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors. The actionable pattern is mental-status change plus autonomic instability and neuromuscular findings such as tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, or incoordination; seizures and gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. Stop the amphetamine and concomitant serotonergic agents immediately and institute supportive symptomatic treatment when this syndrome is suspected. accessdata fdaaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CII
Interpret exposure history by formulation and route
Ask specifically about prescribed immediate-release or extended-release products, nonmedical tablets or powders, methamphetamine, MDMA-related compounds, route of use, timing, and co-ingestants. Amphetamines may be swallowed, insufflated, smoked, or injected; extended-release pharmacokinetics should be considered during overdose management, and amphetamine products should not be converted milligram-for-milligram because salt compositions differ. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govfda[PDF] Adzenys Labeling - FDABMJAmphetamine overdose - Symptoms, diagnosis and ...
Management Priorities
Treat hyperthermia, neurologic toxicity, and cardiovascular injury as separate emergencies
Disposition and monitoring follow the most severe complication, not the reported dose.
Escalate care for hyperthermia, seizure, coma, persistent severe agitation, dysrhythmia, ischemic symptoms, circulatory instability, or rhabdomyolysis. Hyperthermia can occur independently of seizures and is associated with rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, renal failure, and death; cooling and reassessment for organ injury take priority over attempts to enhance drug elimination. ScienceDirect+1ScienceDirectCocaine Intoxication - an overview | ScienceDirect TopicsWileyPharmacology of Drugs Used as Stimulants - Wiley Online Library
In a patient with severe agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, or delirium, evaluate for co-ingestion, hypoglycemia, hyperthermia, trauma, infection, and neurologic disease while reducing risk to the patient and staff. Methamphetamine-related psychosis is associated with dose, duration of use, preexisting vulnerability to psychosis, and possibly sleep deprivation; persistent or atypical symptoms warrant psychiatric and medical reassessment rather than presuming a transient intoxication state. PubMedPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical Management - PMC
For chest pain or hemodynamic instability, manage as a potential cardiovascular emergency rather than as uncomplicated anxiety. Amphetamine toxicity can produce hypertension or hypotension, tachyarrhythmia, vasospasm, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and circulatory collapse; ECG, biomarkers, repeated examinations, and syndrome-directed imaging should determine escalation. accessdata fda+4accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIINEJMMyocardial Infarction after Inhalation of MethamphetaminePubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Monitor renal function, electrolytes, CK, and urine findings when rhabdomyolysis is suspected; acute kidney injury is a recognized complication of severe stimulant toxicity. ScienceDirect+1ScienceDirectCocaine Intoxication - an overview | ScienceDirect TopicsPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Evaluate seizures, focal deficits, or coma for cerebrovascular complications and other structural causes because cerebral vascular accidents and coma occur in amphetamine overdose. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CII
When managing possible mixed overdose, account for multiple drug ingestion; amphetamine toxicity may coexist with sedatives, opioids, serotonergic agents, or other stimulants. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CII
Medication-related and interaction risks
For prescribed amphetamine products, concurrent MAOI use is contraindicated, including linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, and a 14-day interval after stopping an MAOI is required because of hypertensive-crisis risk. In suspected serotonin syndrome, stop the amphetamine and all concomitant serotonergic agents immediately. accessdata fda+3accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govfda[PDF] Adzenys Labeling - FDAaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIIfda[PDF] Mydayis Labeling - FDA
Do not substitute one amphetamine product for another on a milligram-per-milligram basis during medication reconciliation or overdose estimation because amphetamine salt compositions differ. fdafda[PDF] Adzenys Labeling - FDA
Consider prolonged or delayed toxicity when an extended-release product is involved; product pharmacokinetics affect observation and overdose assessment. accessdata fdaaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.gov
Disposition
Base observation and admission on complications and formulation
A reported exposure amount is less informative than trajectory, formulation, and organ injury.
Continue observation until mental status, temperature, vital signs, and cardiovascular findings show a sustained favorable trajectory and no evolving complication is identified. Extend monitoring when exposure involves an extended-release formulation, when history is unreliable, or when agitation, hyperthermia, abnormal ECG findings, elevated troponin, rising CK, renal injury, or recurrent symptoms persist. accessdata fda+3accessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govBMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorderBMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice USPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Admit patients requiring ongoing monitoring for hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, renal dysfunction, seizure, persistent delirium or psychosis, dysrhythmia, ischemic symptoms, heart failure findings, or hemodynamic instability. ICU-level care is appropriate when airway protection, active temperature control, invasive hemodynamic support, or continuous management of severe neurologic or cardiovascular complications is required. accessdata fda+4accessdata fda[PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govaccessdata fda[PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CIIScienceDirectCocaine Intoxication - an overview | ScienceDirect TopicsPubMedMethamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Before discharge after a nonsevere presentation, reconcile all prescribed and nonprescribed stimulants, screen for co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance use disorder, and arrange addiction-focused follow-up when nonmedical stimulant use is identified. Diagnosis of amphetamine or methamphetamine use disorder is clinical, and treatment planning should account for co-occurring psychiatric conditions and recurrent use or relapse. BMJ+1BMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorderBMJAmphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US
Document route, formulation, timing, estimated dose, co-ingestants, and whether the exposure was intentional, therapeutic, accidental, or related to nonmedical use; these details change recurrence prevention and anticipated duration of toxicity. accessdata fda+2accessdata fda[PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.govfda[PDF] Adzenys Labeling - FDABMJAmphetamine overdose - Symptoms, diagnosis and ...
For abrupt cessation after chronic CNS-stimulant exposure, anticipate extreme fatigue and depression; distinguish withdrawal from persistent intoxication or an emerging psychiatric disorder. fdafda[PDF] Mydayis Labeling - FDA
References
- [PDF] Warnings: Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction. - accessdata.fda.gov — www.accessdata.fda.gov · www.accessdata.fda.gov
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- [PDF] highlights of prescribing information - accessdata.fda.gov — www.accessdata.fda.gov · www.accessdata.fda.gov
- [PDF] Adzenys Labeling - FDA — www.fda.gov · www.fda.gov
- [PDF] DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets), for oral use, CII — www.accessdata.fda.gov · www.accessdata.fda.gov
- [PDF] Mydayis Labeling - FDA — www.fda.gov · www.fda.gov
- Amphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder — bestpractice.bmj.com · bestpractice.bmj.com
- Amphetamine overdose - Symptoms, diagnosis and ... — bestpractice.bmj.com · bestpractice.bmj.com
- Amphetamine and methamphetamine use disorder - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice US — bestpractice.bmj.com · bestpractice.bmj.com
- Myocardial Infarction after Inhalation of Methamphetamine — www.nejm.org · www.nejm.org
- Amphetamines: A Dangerous Illusion - Ovid — annals.org · annals.org
- Closing the evidence gap in management of stimulant‐induced ... — onlinelibrary.wiley.com · onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Amphetamine and Methamphetamine - Wiley Online Library — onlinelibrary.wiley.com · onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Severe Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Acute Amphetamine ... — onlinelibrary.wiley.com · onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Case Report Amphetamine Abuse Related Acute Myocardial Infarction — onlinelibrary.wiley.com · onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Cardiovascular complications among individuals with amphetamine-positive urine drug screening admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- Cocaine Intoxication - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- Dual intoxication with diazepam and amphetamine: This drug interaction probably potentiates myocardial ischemia — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- CP 47,497 - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics — www.sciencedirect.com · www.sciencedirect.com
- Pharmacology of Drugs Used as Stimulants - Wiley Online Library — accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com · accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- Methamphetamine Toxicity(Archived) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf — www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Methamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical Management - PMC — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The Diagnosis and Treatment of Stimulant-Related Emergencies - PMC — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- [PDF] STIMULANT GUIDE - CDC — www.cdc.gov · www.cdc.gov