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Neuroleptic drugs are modern, mostly synthetic drugs used in the treatment of psychoses and neuroses, and some also in the treatment of hypertensive disease.
In terms of chemical structure, they form several groups of different compounds:
• phenothiazines
• butyrophenol and thioxanthene derivatives
• rauwolfia alkaloids.
They inhibit specific vital functions of cells, especially the central nervous system, reducing their respiratory transformation. However, their operation is quite complex. In therapeutic doses, they have a strong sedative effect, reducing mental and motor activity and emotional reactions. They remove the feeling of anxiety, anxiety, aggressiveness, motor agitation (convulsions). Through the centers of the autonomic system, they lower blood pressure and inhibit vomiting. Although they are not narcotic by themselves, they intensify the effects of drugs, painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol.
Symptoms of overdose (chronic poisoning)
Dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and movement disorders indicating damage to the extrapyramidal system of the brain (parkinsonism) with a characteristic masked face, protruding tongue, drooling, trembling limbs and forward leaning. Symptoms of stiffness prevail after phenothiazines, and tremors after rauwolfia alkaloids. Moreover, after phenothiazines, jaundice and agranulocytosis may occur.
Symptoms of overdose (acute poisoning)
In acute poisoning by the oral route, both after phenothiazines and related preparations, and after reserpine, symptoms appear after a latency period of an hour or more. Gradually, a coma develops with a drop in pressure, poorly tense pulse, lower body temperature, slow, shallow or irregular breathing.
In poisoning with phenothiazines, there are also spasms of the facial muscles, torticollis, involuntary movements of the fingers, muscle tremors or convulsions, weakened or abolished tendon and skin reflexes, arrhythmia and acceleration of the pulse, urinary retention. After reserpine, however: reddening of the skin, swelling and congestion of the nasal mucosa and conjunctiva, slowing of the pulse, increased intestinal peristalsis (diarrhea).
The main danger in poisoning with neuroleptics is collapse and respiratory failure.
First aid
Immediately after taking it, it is necessary to induce vomiting and administer Glauber’s salt. Horizontal body position, protection against heat loss. In the event of a collapse, elevation of the limbs. In coma poisoned people it is necessary to secure basic life activities and call a doctor immediately.
Treatment
Should be conducted at a specialized poison center