Some people who abuse cocaine will develop an excited delirium. This is a dangerous and potentially lethal condition.
Synonym: agitated delirium
Clinical features:
(1) mental and physiological hyperarousal
(2) violent, bizarre, hostile and uncooperative behavior
(3) "superhuman" strength
(4) psychosis, including paranoia
(5) elevated blood levels of catecholamines
(6) risk of sudden cardiac death possibly due to a stress cardiomyopathy
Management:
(1) sedation with benzodiazepines
(2) avoidance of beta-blocking agents and antipsychotic drugs
(3) avoidance of stress and dangerous physical restraints
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,
