MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Amphetamine or sympathomimetic intoxication

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Amphetamine or sympathomimetic intoxication

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names	Definition

Illustrations

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Alternative names Return to top

Sympathomimetic intoxication; Intoxication - amphetamines or sympathomimetics; Intoxication - uppers

Definition Return to top

Amphetamine or sympathomimetic intoxication describes the state that occurs with the use of amphetamines or sympathomimetic drugs. Intoxication can readily lead to overdose with severe or fatal toxicity.

Symptoms include: high blood pressure, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), increased body temperature, agitation, stroke, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and death.

See also: amphetamines in the poison section.

Update Date: 1/22/2004

Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.