Distinct features of seizures induced by cocaine and amphetamine analogs.
Seizure-related emergencies caused by stimulants of abuse have been increasing. To better understand the nature of these drug-induced convulsions, we characterized the seizure patterns associated with high doses of cocaine, and the amphetamine analogs, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 4-methylaminorex. The features of the stimulant-induced seizures were distinct and included the following: (1) the duration of convulsive activity was shortest for cocaine and longest for methamphetamine, (2) only MDMA produced a secondary clonic phase after the initial ictal event, and (3) 4-methylaminorex manifested a very steep dose-response curve. Differential preventive profiles of anticonvulsant agents on the stimulant-induced seizures also were observed. For example, cocaine-related seizures were most effectively prevented by, while methamphetamine-induced seizures were completely refractory to, phenytoin pretreatment. The only anticonvulsants which appeared to influence methamphetamine-related convulsions were diazepam and valproate. A unique feature of 4-methylaminorex was that related seizures were almost completely blocked by the calcium channel blocker, flunarizine.
Hanson
G R
GR
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, USA.
Jensen
M
M
Johnson
M
M
White
H S
HS
D000818:Animals; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000633:toxicity; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005444:Flunarizine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000633:toxicity; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D051379:Mice; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D010080:Oxazoles / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology
D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006213:Hallucinogens; D010080:Oxazoles; D008694:Methamphetamine; D014635:Valproic Acid; C000081:4-methylaminorex; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; D003975:Diazepam; D005444:Flunarizine