Methamphetamine overdose
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overdose information
Anxiety disorders
Panic disorder
Manifestations
Manifestations of acute overdosage with methamphetamine include restlessness, tremor,
hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states,
hyperpyrexia, and rhabdomyolysis. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central
stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, and
circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and
abdominal cramps. Fatal poisoning usually terminates in convulsions and coma. Return to top
Treatment
Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center regarding treatment for up to date
guidance and advice. Management of acute methamphetamine intoxication is largely
symptomatic and includes gastric evacuation, administration of activated charcoal, and sedation.
Experience with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendations in
this regard.
Acidification of urine increases methamphetamine excretion, but is believed to increase
risk of acute renal failure if myoglobinuria is present. Intravenous phentolamine (Regitine®) has
been suggested for possible acute, severe hypertension, if this complicates methamphetamine
overdosage. Usually a gradual drop in blood pressure will result when sufficient sedation has
been achieved. Chlorpromazine has been reported to be useful in decreasing CNS stimulation
and sympathomimetic effects. Return to top
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.