Treatment of amfetamine overdose

 

There is no specific antidote to amfetamines, therefore treatment is only for severe overdose symptoms.

 

Treatment includes:

• Ice baths for hyperthermia

• Benzodiazepines or midazolam to treat seizures

• A long acting anticonvulsant, such as phenobarbital to prevent further seizures

• CT scans should also be carried out due to the risk of intracranial hemorrhage

• IV crystalloid to prevent renal failure from rhabdomyolysis

• Sedation in order to lower blood pressure, or B-blockers if this is unsuccessful

• Glyceryl trinitrate can be used for chest pains

 

The patient should be monitored until their vital signs have returned to normal