Citation

Beebe DK, Walley E. Am. Fam. Physician 1991; 43(5): 1689-1698.

Affiliation

University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, American Academy of Family Physicians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2021104

Abstract

Designer drugs, chemically altered compounds derived from federally controlled substances, have become a major cause of addiction and overdose deaths. These drugs include mescaline analogs, synthetic opioids, arylhexylamines, methaqualone derivatives and crack, a new form of cocaine. Sudden changes in mood, weight loss, depression, disturbed sleep patterns, deteriorating school or work performance, marital problems, and loss of interest in friends and social activities may be signs of drug addiction. Life-threatening complications of acute intoxication, such as hyperthermia, seizures, combative and psychotic behavior, and cardiorespiratory collapse, require prompt diagnosis and supportive intervention.

Language: en