Abuse of diphenhydramine - the use of diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine), an antihistamine with a central anticholinergic effect , for recreational purposes . When taking large doses, this drug causes delirium , drug addicts enter this psychopathological state to get unusual experiences, change their mental state, free themselves from spiritual emptiness and boredom, sometimes to achieve euphoria. More often than others, substances of this group, such as cyclodol , pipolfen or diphenhydramine, are used by adolescents , as for them they are the only available means for changing their consciousness and avoiding problems [1] .
Content
Acute intoxication. Clinical picture
Clinical manifestations of diphenhydramine delirium are similar to cyclodol [2] . The preceding intoxication setting (β set and setting β) usually determines what kind of affective (emotional) background will be when intoxicated (from fear to euphoria ), as well as the essence of visual hallucinations [2] . Visual hallucinations are kaleidoscopic, characterized by a rapid change of paintings and episodes [2] . In an unfavorable previous situation, for example skirmishes and fights with other people, the images of battles and battles prevail in visions [2] . Toxic addicts in this case see people threatening them with murder [2] .
At the peak of delirium, the criticality to hallucinations disappears, the toxicomaniac becomes dangerous for himself and others [2] .
In the case of a combination of high doses of alcohol and diphenhydramine, perceptual and affective disorders become even more pronounced and severe [2] . Since diphenhydramine is readily soluble in alcohol, 5-10 tablets facilitate the absorption of the drug and accelerate the development of delirium [3] .
Often, adolescents use diphenhydramine along with alcohol to achieve a state of " stunning ", according to A. S. Tiganov, "one of the forms of euphoria" [1] .
Atropine causes similar mental disorders, diphenhydramine and atropine delirium are very similar.
The consequences of the abuse of antihistamines are much more serious than, for example, tranquilizers [4] . Antihistamines and diphenhydramine in particular can, with prolonged abuse, lead to a psycho-organic syndrome and seriously damage the intellect and memory [4] .
Strengthening the effects of alcohol
At small doses (0.1-0.15 g or 2-3 tablets), diphenhydramine enhances intoxication [2] . With this method of use, it can contribute to a quick "shutdown" with further deep sleep [3] .
Severe drug overdose
In case of an overdose of diphenhydramine or other drugs of the antihistamine group, psychoses occur, which are characterized by hallucinatory- delusional symptoms, psychomotor agitation, and stupefaction [1] .
Use by Opium Addicts
Diphenhydramine is also used by opium addicts who use chemically-treated opium preparations. They add diphenhydramine to opiates (including heroin ) to prolong the period of euphoria.
See also
- Cyclodol abuse
Notes
- β 1 2 3 A. S. Tiganov , A. V. Snezhnevsky , D. D. Orlovskaya et al. Guide to Psychiatry in 2 volumes / Ed. Academician of the RAMS A.S. Tiganov. - M .: Medicine , 1999. - T. 2. - 784 p. - ISBN 5-225-04394-1 .
- β 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Narcology: national leadership / Ed. N.N. Ivantsa , I.P. Anokhina , M.A. Vinnikova , et al. - M .: GEOTAR-Media, 2008 .-- S. 287. - 720 p. - ISBN 978-5-9704-0887-2 .
- β 1 2 Shaidukova L.K. Classical narcology. - Kazan: Institute of History. S. Marjani, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, 2008 .-- P. 50 .-- 260 p. - ISBN 978-5-94981-091-0 .
- β 1 2 Dunaevsky V.V., Styazhkin V.D. Drug addiction and substance abuse. - L .: Medicine , 1990 .-- S. 146. - 208 p. - ISBN 5-225-01334-1 .