Other Drugs of Abuse
Effects of Other Drugs of Abuse
Opioid-addicted patients may also abuse other other drugs, so could be at risk of withdrawal from these drugs whilst in hospital. These may include:
Alcohol
Use the CIWA-Ar assessment https://www.mdcalc.com/ciwa-ar-alcohol-withdrawal for managing MILV2N8 Alcohol Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine
Intoxication:
Tachycardia, hypertension, excitement, delirium, hallucinations, hyperreflexia, tremors, convulsions, sweating, hyperpyrexia, occasionally acute chest pain
Withdrawal:
Sleep, hunger, depression, delirium, delusions, hallucinations
Cannabis
Intoxication:
Tachycardia, postural hypotension, euphoria, relaxation, occasionally anxiety and panic reactions, can exacerbate schizophrenia. Poor memory and decreased motivation in prolonged use
Withdrawal:
Restlessness, anxiety, tremor, nausea and diarrhoea. Usually short-lived. Delayed sleep deprivation may increase risk of psychosis if a patient is a heavy user before admission to hospital.