Neurological Crises Following Methamphetamine

To the Editor:— Concern about amphetamines has centered upon the effects of short-term and long-term use upon mental function and the precipitation of emotional disturbance. 1 While these are important issues, physical accompanying sequelae are possible. This report documents such phenomena related to methamphetamine hydrochloride, which is widely used as an euphoretic. Concern with the euphoretic effect of methamphetamine has caused many to overlook its potent pressor effects often used to support blood pressure during anesthesia. Report of Cases:—Case 1.— This 21-year-old white male undergraduate student was admitted to the intensive care unit of the North Carolina Memorial Hospital on May 28, 1968, after having suffered several grand mal seizures in the emergency room. These had followed the intravenous injection of an unknown amount of methamphetamine. On examination, the patient was lethargic with restless movements of the extremities. He was hyperresponsive to stimuli, such as a reflex hammer. The blood