title: Pyrethroid as a substance of abuse.
abstract: This is a case of a 22-year-old Hispanic male with a history of bipolar disorder and methamphetamine dependence who was admitted after presenting with suicidal ideations by slashing his throat with a machete. The patient had been smoking and inhaling "processed" pyrethroid for about eight weeks as an inexpensive methamphetamine substitute. He reported experiencing a "rush" similar to methamphetamine after using pyrethroid from liquid insecticide that had been heated (electrocuted) or sprayed on hot metal sheets until it crystallized. The patient presented with no significant physical markings or findings but claimed to have his suicidal ideations precipitated by concerns of ill effects of pyrethroid on his health. He also had positive urine drug screen for methamphetamine, which he admitted to using on the day of admission. We conclude that it is important for physicians to maintain a high level of suspicion for alternate and uncommon substances of abuse as well as risks for suicidal tendencies in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Stop 8103, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
authors.forename: Pravesh
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Stop 8103, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Manning
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Stop 8103, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baronia
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Stop 8103, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
authors.forename: Saira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mushtaq