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Polydrug abuse by intravenous use of heroin and tropicamide-containing eyedrops

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 22:58 authored by Primavera A Spagnolo, Aldo Badiani, Paolo Nencini
BACKGROUND 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.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Clinical neuropharmacology

ISSN

0362-5664

Publisher

Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Issue

3

Volume

36

Page range

100-101

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-10-28

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2015-10-28

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