Common drug overdose and withdrawal syndrome presentations and their time course, one substance per card.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the classic triad of opioid overdose?
- Pinpoint (miotic) pupils, respiratory depression, and decreased level of consciousness (coma)
- What drug is the antidote for opioid overdose?
- Naloxone
- What is a classic physical sign of opioid withdrawal caused by autonomic activation?
- Piloerection (goosebumps)
- When do withdrawal symptoms typically begin after the last dose of a short-acting opioid like heroin?
- About 6 to 12 hours after the last dose
- What is the typical presentation of a pure benzodiazepine overdose?
- CNS depression with sedation, slurred speech, and ataxia, usually without significant respiratory depression
- What drug can reverse benzodiazepine overdose?
- Flumazenil
- What is the most dangerous complication of benzodiazepine withdrawal?
- Seizures
- When does alcohol withdrawal tremor typically begin after the last drink?
- About 6 to 12 hours after the last drink
- When do alcohol withdrawal seizures typically peak?
- About 12 to 48 hours after the last drink
- When does delirium tremens typically begin after the last drink?
- About 48 to 96 hours (2 to 4 days) after the last drink
- What are the hallmark features of delirium tremens?
- Severe confusion, hallucinations, and marked autonomic instability
- What toxidrome does a cocaine overdose produce?
- Sympathomimetic toxidrome: tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, agitation, and dilated pupils
- Why can cocaine overdose cause chest pain and myocardial infarction?
- Cocaine causes coronary artery vasospasm
- What symptoms characterize the stimulant withdrawal 'crash' after cocaine or amphetamine use?
- Fatigue, depressed mood, hypersomnia, and increased appetite
- Why is barbiturate overdose especially dangerous compared to benzodiazepine overdose?
- It has a steep dose-response curve causing severe respiratory depression, and there is no reversal agent