Misuse of xylometazoline nasal drops by inhalation.
Six male prisoners who misused xylometazoline nasal drops by inhalation were interviewed by a prison physician in 2006. The prisoners received xylometazoline drops during regular visits in the prison ambulatory service. In order to get the medication, the subjects reported false symptoms of rhinosinusitis and allergic reactions. Psychoactive effects of inhaled xylometazoline were described as "stimulation," "excitation," and "feeling of strength." Although preliminary, our findings suggest that topical adrenergic decongestants can produce rewarding effects when administered by inhalation.
Anand
Jacek Sein
JS
Department of Internal Diseases and Acute Poisonings, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
Salamon
Marek
M
Habrat
Boguslaw
B
Scinska
Anna
A
Bienkowski
Przemyslaw
P
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011044:Poland; D011329:Prisoners; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology
D007093:Imidazoles; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; C009695:xylometazoline