Inhalants |
Short-Term Effects: Last several minutes to several hours. Suppresion of inhibitions, numbness, initial stimulation --then drowsy euphoria, similar to alcohol intoxication. May be sneezing, coughing, confusion, increased salivation, nausea, sensitivity to light. Irritation or sores on nose/mouth. Bad breath, blood shot eyes, nose bleeds. Possibility of coma, unconciousness, death.
Long-Term Effects: Fatigue, tremors, thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle cramps, anameia, forgetfulness, weakness, inability to think clearly or logically, irritability, hostility, depression, feelings of persecution, irritation of gastro-intestinal lining, brain damage, nerve, kidney or liver damage.
Withdrawal: Chills, headaches, abdominal pains, muscular cramps and hallucinations can last from 1 hour to 2 days.
Interactions with Other Drugs: Damage may result from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and alcohol used together. Use of alcohol, sedatives or hypnotic drugs while inhaling petrol may potentiate the narcotic effects of petrol vapours.
Lethality/OD Treatment: In cases of acute intoxication, ensure that the user has plenty of fresh air. User may need `talking down`. If breathing is shallow or feeble and pulse weak, send for ambulance. Possibility of `sudden sniffing death` due to irregular heart beat (arrhythmia). Death may result from bizarre behaviour following use.
The information contained in this page is designed simply as an introduction to this topic. |