Overview
Amphetamine intoxication, particularly from methamphetamine, can lead to acute behavioral disturbances and other severe symptoms including autonomic hyperactivity and potential organ damage, sometimes manifesting as delirium. 1Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation: Acute behavioral disturbance (common), tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia 1
Recommended Tests: Toxicology screening for amphetamines 1
Grading: No specific grading system mentioned for delirium in this context 1Management
First-Line Treatments: Oral sedation (e.g., benzodiazepines) for behavioral disturbances 1
Adjunctive Treatments: Parenteral sedation if oral ineffective 1
Specific Conditions:
- Hypertension: No specific anti-hypertensive treatment noted 1
- Hyperthermia: Active cooling for severe cases 1
- Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury: Supportive care, monitor renal function 1Special Populations
No Specific Data: Abstracts do not provide detailed information on management in pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or specific comorbidities 1Key Recommendations
Manage acute behavioral disturbances initially with oral benzodiazepines; escalate to parenteral sedation if necessary (Evidence: Moderate) 1
Monitor and manage autonomic symptoms like hypertension without routine anti-hypertensive administration (Evidence: Weak) 1
Implement active cooling measures for patients with significant hyperthermia (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1References
1 Isoardi KZ, Ayles SF, Harris K, Finch CJ, Page CB. Methamphetamine presentations to an emergency department: Management and complications. Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA 2019. link