What are the symptoms of drug poisoning?

Drug intoxication symptoms vary depending on the type of drug, dosage, and individual differences, presenting in a wide and complex range. When the nervous system is affected, patients often experience dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and confusion; severe cases may lead to coma and convulsions. For example, overdose of sedatives or hypnotics can result in profound sleep; organophosphorus pesticide poisoning causes constricted pupils and muscle fasciculations.

Gastrointestinal symptoms commonly include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For example, heavy metal poisoning can cause severe vomiting and mucosal erosion or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract; antibiotic overuse may lead to pseudomembranous colitis with frequent diarrhea. Regarding the respiratory system, certain drug intoxications can suppress the respiratory center, leading to bradypnea, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, or even respiratory arrest; drug allergies can cause laryngeal edema and bronchospasm, resulting in respiratory distress.

Cardiovascular symptoms manifest as palpitations, arrhythmias, and hypotension. For example, intoxication with digitalis preparations can cause various arrhythmias; overdose of antihypertensive drugs may lead to hypotensive shock. Additionally, hepatic and renal dysfunction may occur, such as liver failure caused by acetaminophen overdose, presenting with jaundice and elevated transaminase levels; urinary system symptoms include oliguria, anuria, and hematuria. The skin and mucous membranes may also exhibit abnormalities such as cyanosis, rashes, and pruritus; for example, sulfonamide drugs commonly cause drug eruptions.