"When significant oral toxicity is recent (eg, < 1 to 2 h), activated charcoal may be given to limit absorption, although this intervention has not been shown to reduce morbidity or mortality. Urinary acidification hastens amphetamine excretion, but it may worsen myoglobin precipitation in the renal tubules and thus is not recommended.
"Benzodiazepines are the preferred initial treatment for CNS excitation, seizures, tachycardia, and hypertension. Lorazepam 2 to 3 mg IV q 5 min titrated to effect may be used. High doses or a continuous infusion may be required. Propofol, with mechanical ventilation, may be required for severe agitation. Hypertension that does not respond to benzodiazepines is treated with nitrates (occasionally nitroprusside or other antihypertensives as needed, depending on the severity of the hypertension. ?-Blockers (eg, metoprolol 2 to 5 mg IV) may be used for severe ventricular arrhythmias or tachycardia.
"Hyperthermia can be life threatening and should be managed aggressively with sedation plus evaporative cooling, ice packs, and maintenance of intravascular volume and urine flow with IV normal saline solution."
Gerald F. O’Malley, DO, and Rika O’Malley , MD, Amphetamines (Methamphetamines), in Merck Manual Professional Version, last accessed August 31, 2021.
