emDocs - July 27, 2020 - By Cisewski D, Schimmel J
Reviewed by: Koyfman A and Long B
"Summary:
- Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive substance that has reached epidemic proportions;
- Unlike opioids, there is no analogous acute reversal agent or Medication-Assisted Treatment to curb cravings.
- MA is used by individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic classes.
- Maintain a suspicion for sympathomimetic drug use in patients presenting to the ED with acute psychosis.
- Benzodiazepines and antipsychotics are first-line treatments for acute MA toxicity.
- Treat hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis aggressively to reduce sequelae.
- While diagnostic testing may be deferred in select low-risk patients, the multiorgan effects of MA should be considered."