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Polydrug abuse by intravenous use of heroin and tropicamide-containing eyedrops
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posted on 2023-06-08, 22:58 authored by Primavera A Spagnolo, Aldo Badiani, Paolo NenciniBACKGROUND Drug abuse is rarely limited to a single substance; polydrug use is the norm rather than the exception. In many cases, the misuse of potentially psychoactive substances can lead to serious intoxications and results in addictive behavior. CASE DESCRIPTION A 22-year-old heroin-addicted woman presented in our clinic reporting a 2-year history of intravenous injection of an eyedrop solution containing 1% tropicamide, an antimuscarinic agent. She reported injecting tropicamide because it attenuated symptoms and signs of opiate withdrawal and it also has hallucinogenic and euphorigenic effects. Despite the large amounts (up to 1.5 g), the rapidity of injection, and the long-term use, tropicamide was relatively well tolerated, without life-threatening consequences.An outpatient detoxification program was performed without any sign or symptom caused by discontinuing tropicamide. CONCLUSIONS The present case claims a role for pharmacological interactions, in addition to rewarding effects, in influencing drug association in polyabuse pattern. Moreover, this case underlines the need for physicians to be aware of the potential emergence of tropicamide as a drug of misuse, to prevent further harm.
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Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Clinical neuropharmacologyISSN
0362-5664Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & WilkinsExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
36Page range
100-101Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-10-28First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-10-28Usage metrics
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