All stimulants increase the physiologic levels of the body’s own stimulants. As a result, the hemodynamic effects are the same:
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) [20]
Common severe and dangerous side effects include cardiac dysrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), severe hyperthermia, and seizures. The physiologic effects are dose and “drug strength” dependent. In most instances, drugs taken via intravenous (IV) or inhaled (smoked) routes will produce symptoms quickly but have a shorter duration. Gastrointestinal (GI) or mucosal ingestion will have a slower onset but a longer duration of action. Other adverse effects include stroke, myocardial infarction, acute psychosis, and paranoia.[40][41]
