Drug Intoxication and Withdrawal

Alexander Chyorny, MDalexander.chyorny@hhs.sccgov.org

November 2013

Neurotransmitters-101

• Dopamine pathway – learning, pleasure• Serotonin pathway – regulates mood• Opioid pathway – antinociceptive• Noradrenergic – alertness, decision-making• Glutamate – excitation• GABA, acetylcholine – inhibition

Neural Reward Circuits Important in the Reinforcing Effects of Drugs of Abuse.

Camí J, Farré M. N Engl J Med 2003;349:975-986.

“The Substance” and the Brain:Neuroadaptation

• Yin-Yang – homeostasis (activating/inhibiting)• Intoxication – temporary dominance• Tolerance – activating opposition, down-

regulating receptors• Withdrawal – removing the drug; biological

effects much longer-lasting (days to years)• Tx of WD – substance mimetics (long-acting,

taper); antagonizing opposition

Universal Withdrawal Symptoms

• Drug craving• Irritability• Dysphoria• Anxiety• Insomnia• + specific Sx of whatever agonist/antagonist

receptor systems involved• Immediate phase: starts w/i hours, lasts days• Protracted phase: 6-18 mo (malaise, cravings)

General Assessment Principles

• Primary substance – type, route, frequency, amount, time of last use

• Complications of use and withdrawal• History of medication-assisted detox• Concurrent substances use/co-morbidities• Vital signs• Mental status• Pupils• Ability to ambulate• Urine toxicology

General Approach to O/D

• Airway• Breathing• Circulation

Coma cocktail– Thiamine 100 mg– 1 amp of D50– Naloxone 2 mg

Alcohol: the Most Common and Lethal

• GABA-A vs. glutamate/NMDA• Indirect release of β-endorphins and dopamine• In and Out: consider Pruno, hand-sanitizers• Intoxication: slurred speech, confusion, ataxia, ↓HR;

assess ability to protect airway• Withdrawal

– Early symptoms 6-24 hrs– Seizures 12-48 hrs– Isolated hallucinosis 12-48 hrs– Delirium Tremens 48-96 hrs

Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-Ar)

• Most commonly used instrument, validated• Measures 10 subscales

– Nausea/vomiting Tactile disturbances– Tremor Auditory

disturbances– Diaphoresis Visual disturbances– Anxiety Headache– Agitation Orientation

• Max score 67, prophylaxis if >8, hospitalization if >15-20, ICU if > 35

EtOH: Cornerstones of Treatment

• Monitor – CIWA-Ar, VS; close observation• EtOH substitutes – benzodiazepines• Supportive treatment

– Quiet, protective environment– Correct hypovolemia/electrolytes– Thiamine (before glucose), MVI, folate, MgSO4

• Adjunct treatment– Beta-blockers, antipsychotics– Anticonvulsants– α2 agonists, muscle relaxants

EtOH substitute: Benzodiazepines

• Fixed ATC vs. Sx-triggered dosing• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

– Longest-acting, active metabolites, auto-taper– 50-75 mg PO q 4-6 hrs, add’l doses hourly prn

• Lorazepam (Ativan)– Medium-to-short acting, no active metabolites– Preferable in patients with advanced cirrhosis or

high risk for oversedation (elderly, co-morbidities)– 1-2 mg PO q 4-6 hrs, hourly prn

EtOH Dependence

• Medication is adjunct to ψ-social intervention• Acamprosate

– NMDA partial antagonist; 666 mg tid• Disulfiram

– Blocks alcohol dehydrogenase; nausea/flushing/↑HR; 250-500 mg/d• Naltrexone

– Blocks μ-opioid receptors– Oral (50 mg/d) or injectable (380 mg/mo)

• Baclofen– GABA-B agonist; anxiolytic; 10-20 mg tid

• Topiramate– ↑GABA, ↓glutamate; slow titration to 300 mg/d

Benzodiazepines

• Most abused: short-acting alprazolam (Xanax)• Most common: clonazepam (Klonopin),

Valium (Diazepam), lorazepam (Ativan)• Intoxication: similar to EtOH• WD: beware of much longer half-life• Tx: chlordiazepoxide or clonazepam taper

– Carbamazepine as an alternative for w/d Sx

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate

• Acts on specific GHB and GABA-B receptors• Euphoric, ↓inhibition, amnesia, hypotonia,

somnolence, ↓HR, ↓BP, clonus, resp. depression• Short-acting; acute intoxication best treated

with observation if no respiratory compromise• WD: similar to BZD/EtOH, less autonomic,

more CNS – insomnia, tremor, anxiety; 1 wk• Tx: consider BZD taper, baclofen

Z-drugs

• Zolpidem, zaleplone, (es)zopiclone• GABA-A receptor; effects similar to BZD• High doses – euphoria, exaltation, anxiolysis• Dependence, withdrawal – similar to BZD

(from sympathetic O/D to Sz)• Tx: consider diazepam or gabapentin taper

Carisoprodol (Soma)

• Metabolized into meprobamate• Acts on GABA-A; similar to barbiturates/BZD• Sedative, relaxant, euphoric; synergy w/ opiates• Abuse increasing; 2012 - schedule IV• WD: anxiety, insomnia, HA, myalgia, tremors,

hallucinations, paranoia• Tx: consider BZD taper (if 12-25 tab/day)

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• Increased availability of endogenous GABA, +/- action on GABA-B, ↓ glutamate release

• Intranasal snorting: high similar to cocaine• Oral use: similar to EtOH, BZD• WD: depression, anxiety, insomnia,

depersonalization, paresthesias, delirium• Tx: taper for doses >1800 mg/d

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

• Similar to gabapentin– Higher potency, quicker absorption, ↑ bioavailability

• Euphoric, dissociative effects; tolerance• WD: agitation, tremor, ↑ HR, ↑ BP• Tx: 1-wk taper (for doses > 300 mg/d)

Topiramate (Topamax)

• Augments GABA action• Antagonizes AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor• Often requested for wt loss properties• Emerging usefulness in EtOH and stimulant

dependence• Literature indicates little potential for abuse• SE – somnolence, memory problems,

paresthesias

Opiate Intoxication and Tolerance

• Heroin: fine china vs. black tar• μ, δ, κ receptors• Analgesia, modulation of respiration, miosis,

↓gut motility; trigger DA release - euphoria• Tolerance: receptor desensitization, ACh

downregulation, cAMP upregulation

Opiate Overdose

• Heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone• AMS, stupor, miosis• ↓BP, ↓HR, slow shallow breaths, pulmonary edema• Motionless in a cold environment:

– ↓temp, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure• Meperidine (Demerol), propoxyphene (Darvon), tramadol (Ultram)

– mydriasis, Sz• Assess responsiveness, airway protection• Look for fentanyl patches• Tx: naloxone (Narcan) 0.04-0.5-1-2-4-10 mg IV q 2 min• Consider concurrent acetaminophen O/D (Norco, Percocet)

Opiate Withdrawal• Morphine, heroin – 6-12 hrs, methadone 36-48 hrs; last ≈ 2 wks• Activation of cholinergic and noradrenergic systems• Symptoms and signs – COWS

– Nausea, diarrhea, cramping, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, diaphoresis, chills– Irritability, anxiety, insomnia, yawning, ↑HR, ↑BP

• Opiate substitution– Methadone taper – daily, 20-30 d; most Sx at the end; few SE– Buprenorphine – few studies, varying doses/duration– Tramadol – limited literature, similar effectiveness to buprenorphine

• α-2 agonists – modulate noradrenergic hyperactivity– Clonidine 0.1-0.3 mg tid x 2-4 days, taper over 7 days– Reduces WD Sx; increases # who completed WD (vs. placebo)– SE: drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension, dry mouth

• Sx tx: acetaminophen, donnatal, loperamide, hydroxyzine, melatonin

Tx of Opiate Dependence

• Substitute therapy– Methadone; 60-100 mg/d; QTc monitoring– Buprenorphine; 8-24 mg/d

• Pure (Subutex) or combo with naloxone (Suboxone)

• Antagonist therapy– Oral naltrexone; 50 mg/d– Injectable naltrexone; 380 mg/d

Stimulants

Classic Stimulants

Cocaine• Hydrochloride salt vs. free-base

(crack)• DA, NE, serotonin uptake

transporter inhibition• Lasts 30-60 min• Beware of combos:

“speedball”, cocoethylene

Amphetamines• Speed/crack/crystal meth, Rx

(Adderal, Dexedrine)• Besides transporter inhibition,

↑DA, NE>serotonin release, MAOI• Effects last hours• Related stimulant:

methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Euphoria, ↑ libido, ↓ appetite, ↑ concentrationSleeplessness, anxiety, paranoia, aggression

Classic Stimulants: Intoxication

• Adrenergic stimulation (α,β), DA, serotonin (release, ↓re-uptake)

• ↑BP, ↑HR, ↑temp, mydriasis• Dry mucous membranes and diaphoresis• Agitation, delirium, hypertonia, seizures • Vasospasm (myocardial, cerebral), arrhythmia• Rhabdomyolysis, renal/hepatic toxicity• Tx: lorazepam, haloperidol, labetalol for HTN;

nitrates/CCB for chest pain; cooling

Stimulant O/D: Tx Considerations

• Avoid 3Ps– Physical restraints– Phenothiazines in escalating doses– Psychiatric ward

• Use ART– Acceptance (explanation, reassurance)– Reduce stimuli (dark, quiet environment)– Talkdown

Stimulant Withdrawal

• Chronic use ↓ glutamate, DA, serotonin• WD (“tweaking”) w/i 24 hrs of last dose• “Crash” – acute, 1wk; subacute – 2-3 wks• Hyperarousal: craving, agitation, vivid dreams• Reversed vegetative: hypersomnia, ↓ energy, ↑appetite• Anxiety: dysphoria, anhedonia, paranoia, ψmotor slowing

Tx of Stimulant WD and Dependence

• No proven tx, but a number of research avenues• Modafinil: mild stimulant, ↑ glutamate; blocks euphoria

– May attenuate cocaine w/d– Not effective for methamphetamine dependence

• GABAergics for maintenance– Vigabatrin, topiramate

• Disulfiram– Increases cocaine/DA levels, unpleasant anxiety

• Cocaine and methamphetamine vaccines– Stimulate production of Ab which prevent stimulants’ entrance

into CNS

Ecstasy/MDMA

• 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine• Serotonin > DA/NE reuptake inhibition• Onset 30 min, last 4 hrs• Intense sensual experiences, empathy, sociability,

insomnia, ↓appetite• ↑Temp, ↑BP, ↑HR, mydriasis, diaphoresis, trismus• Serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, dehydration• No medications for tx of mild intoxication or WD• Dependence rare, largely psychological

Bath Salts

• Mephedrone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone– Mephedrone: more stimulant, onset/action 30-60 min– MDPV: more hallucinatory, onset 1 hr, lasts 2-3 hrs

• Cathinone (Khat plant) derivatives, stimulants• DA, serotonin, NE reuptake inhibition• Euphoria, hallucinations → insomnia, paranoia• Agitation, twitches, ↑HR, ↑BP, ↑ temp, mydriasis, Sz• Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, MI, excited delirium• WD: very severe cravings, fatigue, irritability; 1-2 d• Tx: cooling, hydration, lorazepam, haloperidol

Albuterol

• Stimulant-like (ᵦ-adrenergic)• Clenbuterol – pill, abused by body-builders• Frequent canister exchange – red flag• Spray on paper, dry, inhale powder• ↑HR, ↓BP, tremor, agitation• Tx: observation; consider propranolol

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

• DA and NE reuptake inhibitor, nicotinic antagonist• Chemically similar to stimulants• Antidepressant, no wt gain or sexual dysfunction• Abused intranasally; high similar to cocaine, but

less intense• Seizure with high doses (>600 mg/d)• WD rare; anxiety, lethargy, irritability• Tx: gradual taper

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

• Intoxication: serotonin syndrome (usually drug combinations)– Flushing, fever, diaphoresis– Trismus, tremor, irritability

• Tx: lorazepam, consider cyproheptadine• WD: anxiety, crying, dizziness, HA, nausea,

insomnia, vivid dreams, tremor

Quetiapine (Seroquel)

• Antihistaminic and anticholinergic effects• Sedative, anxiolytic; may ↓amphetamine craving• ↑blood methadone levels• 80% of opioid misusers exposed to quetiapine• Intranasal and intravenous use described• WD: insomnia, anxiety• Taper not needed for low dose (<200 mg/d)

Steroids

• Anabolic-androgenic; testosterone derivatives• Androstenedione, DHEA – OTC precursors• Frequent co-dependence with opioids• ↑Muscle mass, ↑strength, ↓fat; appearance,

performance, sense of well-being• Excessive dose – mania, psychosis, hepatotoxic• WD: hypogonadism, fatigue, HA, myalgia, insomnia,

depression• Tx (rarely needed): gradual tapering of injectable

testosterone, guided by trough levels

Antihistamines

• Promethazine (Phenergan),diphenhydramine (Benadryl), TCAs, baclofen

• Potentiate opiates; high dose – hallucinations• Anticholinergic properties: “Hot as hare, dry

as a bone, red as beet, mad as hatter”• Mydriasis, ↑HR, ↑BP, urinary retention, Sz• QT prolongation• Tx: tincture of time

Dissociatives - PCP

• Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)• NMDA agonist, anticholinergic, opioid agonist,

α-adrenergic, dopaminergic• Intoxication: violent agitation, bizarre

behavior, lethargy – fluctuating delirium• Tx: lorazepam and haloperidol

Dissociatives - Ketamine

• Onset – 5-30 min, lasts up to 3 hrs• Antagonist at NMDA, agonist at μ–opioid receptor• Anticholinergic, potentiates GABA, releases DA• Hallucinations, distortions of time/space• Dissociation, depersonalization – “K-hole”• OD: non-lethal; prone to accidents; abdominal pain,

dizziness, lower urinary tract Sx; ↑ HR• WD: anxiety, craving, +/- tremor, diaphoresis • Methoxetamine – slower onset, longer duration

Dextromethorphan

• OTC component of cough syrup or tablet• Synthetic analog of codeine; σ-opioid receptor• Dissociative in doses > 7mg/kg (metabolite

dextrophan – NMDA antagonist); serotomimetic• Stimulant, euphoria→hallucinations→sedation,

disassociation• ↑BP, ↑HR, respiratory depression, mydriasis• Utox – may cross-react with PCP assay• Effects short-lived; no dependence/withdrawal

Caffeine

• Most widely used psychoactive drug worldwide• Stimulant; adenosine receptor antagonist• ↑NE and DA levels; ↑ alertness, coordination• Intoxication: ↑HR, tremor• WD: HA, fatigue, difficulty concentrating,

depression, irritability, nausea, myalgia– start in 12-24 hrs, last 2-9 days

Tobacco

• Activation of nicotinic cholinergic receptors• DA release; also glutamate/GABA• Enhanced performance, elevated mood, ↓ wt• WD: anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia• Nicotine substitutes: gum, patch, e-cigarette • Partial agonists: cytisine, varenicline• Bupropion SR: inhibits DA and NE reuptake• Nortriptyline: similar effects, lesser abuse

Marijuana/Cannabis

• Most widely used illicit drug worldwide• Hashish vs. sinsemilla (skunk): Δ9-THC/cannabidiol content• Cannabis receptor, NE release, dopaminergic, anticholinergic• Intoxication: euphoria, giggling, perceptual distortion, sedation

– Later: hunger, conjunctival injection, dry mouth, ↑HR; panic, psychosis– Consider propranolol for CV effects, lorazepam for anxiety

• WD: anxiety, insomnia, ↓appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anger, HA, chills– Sx start w/i 24 hrs of cessation, last up to 28 d– Small studies of dronabinol, Li, buspirone, zolpidem– No medications currently recommended for tx of WD or dependence

Hallucinogens

• Lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT (dimethyltryptamine)

• Serotonin agonists• Hallucinations, synesthesia, mild euphoria,

time distortions, religious experiences, anxiety• Mydriasis, hyperthermia• Tx: time, lorazepam• Withdrawal: non-existent

Salvia Divinorum

• Agonist at κ–opioid receptors; secondary effects – cannabinoid, serotonin, DA

• Onset 30 sec, lasts 20-30 min• Vivid colors/shapes, hallucinations, synesthesia• OD: dysphoria, anxiety, psychosis• WD: not well described; possible GI effects

Inhalants• Volatile solvents

– Enhance GABA-A, inhibit NMDA; ↑DA– Euphoria, “drunkenness”– Lethargy, confusion, HA, restlessness, incoordination

• Alkyl nitrites– Smooth muscle relaxants, ↑libido, euphoria– Nausea, ↓BP, HA; hemolysis, methemoglobinemia

• N2O– Euphoria, distortion of sensation/time/space, anesthesia– Oxidizes B12, resulting in deficiency

• WD: craving; no physical signs; Tx: observation/support

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