Acute poisoning with amphetamines (MDEA) and heroin: antagonistic effects between the two drugs.
A case of oral ingestion of large doses of both the amphetamine-derivative 3,4-methylene dioxyethamphetamine (MDEA) and heroin is reported. Despite high serum levels of both drugs, the patient did not present with the classic signs and symptoms normally seen during intoxication with these drugs. The patient recovered after symptomatic treatment. The possibility that opposite pharmacological properties of the two drugs prevented the patients death is discussed.
Jorens
P G
PG
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
Heytens
L
L
Demey
H E
HE
Andries
S
S
Ricaurte
G A
GA
Bossaert
L
L
Schepens
P J
PJ
D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000506:poisoning; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D003221:Confusion / Q000139:chemically induced; D003422:Critical Care; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000506:poisoning*; D004336:Drug Antagonism; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D003932:Heroin / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009294:Narcotics / Q000506:poisoning*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D013997:Time Factors
D015198:Designer Drugs; D009294:Narcotics; D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine; D003932:Heroin; C051800:3,4-methylenedioxyethamphetamine