Amphetamines and leukocytosis. A possible association.
An increased incidence of leukocytosis and statistically significant elevations of both median and mean white blood cell counts were found in a small series of patients who presented to an emergency department with nonspecific complaints after amphetamine use. These findings suggest the possibility of an association between amphetamines and increased leukocyte counts, which would most likely be due to a mechanism the same as or similar to that responsible for stress leukocytosis, which can be seen with epinephrine administration or stress in general. Before such an association can be considered in any patient, other causes of leukocytosis, especially infection, must be carefully excluded.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007964:Leukocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D013312:Stress, Physiological
D000662:Amphetamines