title: Misuse of xylometazoline nasal drops by inhalation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Diseases and Acute Poisonings, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Jacek Sein
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salamon
authors.forename: Boguslaw
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Habrat
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scinska
authors.forename: Przemyslaw
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bienkowski
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D014663:Nasal Decongestants; C009695:xylometazoline