Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0013362 (dysarthria)
 3,768 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We relate two cases of amineptine (Survector) overconsumption by patients cured for atypical depression with asthenia and activities deficit as the prevalent symptoms. Prescription of two tablets a day (0,200 g) was respected in one case during six months, and in the other case during two years, with therapeutic benefit on apragmatism. To no obvious reason, within few months both patients had gradually raised the doses to twenty tablets (2 g) and thirty tablets (3 g) respectively: we observed subexcitation, insomnia, sensorial hyperaesthesia, irritability, tachyphemia with dysarthria, anorexia with weight lost of more than 10 kg and amphetamine-like troubles without confusion or delusion, as a result of which both patients were treated for their addiction, in hospital. Treatment with clorazepate perfusions did not cause any physical dependence problems. However, psychological dependence was strong enough for one of the patients to go out, on the third day, against medical decision. As far as we know, in France, only one such case of addiction use at high doses and in single intakes is mentioned in the existing literature. However, our observations suggest that it might be necessary to re-assess the place of amineptine among new antidepressive molecules with psychostimulant abilities.
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PMID:[2 cases of amineptine dependence]. 614 28

Fifty-seven cases of meprobamate ingestion from 1974 through 1979 were reviewed. Serum meprobamate concentrations, clinical findings, and epidemiologic data were studied to determine the present status of the abuse of this compound. The average patient was a 37-year-old woman who ingested meprobamate and at least one other drug (usually a benzodiazepine, a barbiturate, ethanol, or an opiate) in a suicide attempt of gesture. She arrived at the hospital either alert or lethargic with equal frequency. Half of the time she was seen only in the emergency room, and half of the time she was hospitalized. She was usually treated with supportive care alone and survived the ingestion. Serum meprobamate concentrations exceeding 12 mg/dl were consistent with coma. Dysarthria, hypotension, tachycardia, and ataxia were the most common physical findings. Meprobamate addiction was present in six patients.
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PMID:The present status of meprobamate ingestion. A five-year review of cases with serum concentrations and clinical findings. 745 16

The benzodiazepines are still extensively used in psychiatry, neurology and medicine in general. Anxiety disorder and severe insomnia are important syndromal indications, but these drugs are widely prescribed at the symptomatic level, resulting in potential overuse. The official data sheets recommend short durations of usage and conservative dosage. Although short-term efficacy is established, long-term efficacy remains controversial, as relevant data are scanty and relapse, rebound and dependence on withdrawal not clearly distinguished. The risks of the benzodiazepines are well-documented and comprise psychological and physical effects. Among the former are subjective sedation, paradoxical release of anxiety and/or hostility, psychomotor impairment, memory disruption, and risks of accidents. Physical effects include vertigo, dysarthria, ataxia with falls, especially in the elderly. Dependence can supervene on long-term use, occasionally with dose escalation. The benzodiazepines are now recognised as major drugs of abuse and addiction. Other drug and non-drug therapies are available and have a superior risk benefit ratio in long-term use. It is concluded that benzodiazepines should be reserved for short-term use--up to 4 weeks--and in conservative dosage.
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PMID:Limitations on the use of benzodiazepines in anxiety and insomnia: are they justified? 1062 86

Paradichlorobenzene (PDB) is a common household deodorant and pesticide found in room deodorizers, toilet bowl fresheners, and some mothballs. Although human exposure to the compound is generally limited and harmless, PDB in larger doses can produce neurotoxic effects, including a chemical "high" similar to that seen with inhalants such as toluene. Although rare, frank addiction to PDB has been reported, and, in such cases, has been associated with gait ataxia, tremor, dysarthria, limb weakness, and bradyphrenia, in various combinations. In such cases, the adverse neurologic consequences have been presumed to result from a direct toxic effect of this small, organic molecule. We report a case of chronic mothball ingestion where profound encephalopathy with cognitive, pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and cerebellar features appears to have been largely the result of PDB withdrawal, rather than direct toxicity. This case raises important questions about the mechanism of PDB neurotoxicity and possible treatment options for PDB-addicted patients. We propose that in cases with clear clinical deterioration after abstinence, readministration and gradual taper of PDB might be considered a therapeutic option.
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PMID:Mothball withdrawal encephalopathy: case report and review of paradichlorobenzene neurotoxicity. 1734 27