Distinct features of seizures induced by cocaine and amphetamine analogs.

Abstract

Seizure-related emergencies caused by stimulants of abuse have been increasing. To better understand the nature of these drug-induced convulsions, we characterized the seizure patterns associated with high doses of cocaine, and the amphetamine analogs, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 4-methylaminorex. The features of the stimulant-induced seizures were distinct and included the following: (1) the duration of convulsive activity was shortest for cocaine and longest for methamphetamine, (2) only MDMA produced a secondary clonic phase after the initial ictal event, and (3) 4-methylaminorex manifested a very steep dose-response curve. Differential preventive profiles of anticonvulsant agents on the stimulant-induced seizures also were observed. For example, cocaine-related seizures were most effectively prevented by, while methamphetamine-induced seizures were completely refractory to, phenytoin pretreatment. The only anticonvulsants which appeared to influence methamphetamine-related convulsions were diazepam and valproate. A unique feature of 4-methylaminorex was that related seizures were almost completely blocked by the calcium channel blocker, flunarizine.

• Authors: G R Hanson, M Jensen, M Johnson, H S White
• Journal: European journal of pharmacology (Eur J Pharmacol) Vol. 377 Issue 2-3 Pg. 167-73 (Jul 21 1999) ISSN: 0014-2999 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 10456426 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Central Nervous System Agents
• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Hallucinogens
• Oxazoles
• Methamphetamine
• Valproic Acid
• 4-methylaminorex
• N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
• Diazepam
• Flunarizine

Topics

• Animals
• Central Nervous System Agents (toxicity)
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (toxicity)
• Diazepam (pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Flunarizine (pharmacology)
• Hallucinogens (toxicity)
• Male
• Methamphetamine (toxicity)
• Mice
• N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (toxicity)
• Oxazoles (toxicity)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Seizures (chemically induced, prevention & control)
• Time Factors
• Valproic Acid (pharmacology)