Clinical toxicology : the official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists
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Clin Toxicol (Phila) · Nov 2018
Trends in intentional abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics and the associated mortality reported to poison centers across the United States from 2000 to 2014.
Prior works demonstrates an increased risk of death when opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines are used concomitantly to gain a high. Using poison center data, we described trends in abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics. We quantified mortality risk associated with abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics and the combination of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. ⋯ Intentional abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines and opioids in combination increased significantly from 2000 to 2014. Benzodiazepine abuse or misuse far exceeded cases of opioid abuse or misuse. Death was greater with co-abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines and opioids. Population-level campaigns to inform the public about the risk of death with co-abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines and opioids are urgently needed to address this overdose epidemic.
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Context: Kambo cleanse is a purification, cleansing ritual traditionally performed by South American shaman to confer luck and health to hunters. Case details: We report a patient who presented to the emergency department with prolonged symptoms of vomiting, flushing, facial swelling, altered mental status, and agitation requiring chemical restraints, 22 h after a Kambo cleanse. ⋯ Discussion: The cleanse consists of rubbing resin obtained from the secretions of the giant leaf frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor) into superficial wounds to produce intense gastrointestinal symptoms followed by a sensation of increased stamina and strength. The cleanse is now being increasingly performed in Europe and USA.