ORN Spring 2025 - Evaluation of methamphetamine assist packs: As-needed antipsychotics for self-management of methamphetamine-associated psychiatric toxicity-Recording - 2025-05-07 - ORN Spring Webinar

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The recent webinar on the evaluation of methamphetamine assist packs as needed antipsychotics for self-management of methamphetamine-associated psychiatric toxicity featured Dr. Philip Cawthon, an expert in addiction medicine. Dr. Cawthon discussed the morbidity and mortality associated with methamphetamine use focusing on psychiatric symptoms and toxicity. Using olanzapine, the team implemented a four-tier approach to tackling stimulant use in clinical practice: assessment of use patterns, prevention of complications, reduction of use, and management of acute toxicity. The intervention aimed to provide patients experiencing methamphetamine-induced psychotic symptoms with tools for self-management, similar to carrying naloxone for opioid overdoses. <br /><br />The evaluation involved distributing 'chill packs' containing olanzapine to patients visiting psychiatric emergency services. The packs were shown to reduce emergency visits by about 30% within the first two months, proving their utility in managing acute symptoms. Challenges highlighted included difficulties in ensuring proper use among patients and barriers to broader implementation without dedicated support structures. Future plans involve a controlled clinical trial to evaluate these findings further.<br /><br />The questions segment addressed concerns such as combining olanzapine with other antipsychotics, the potential unintended side effects, and the use of medications like statins or mirtazapine as preventive measures. Dr. Cawthon highlighted the importance of understanding individual patterns of methamphetamine use, emphasizing harm reduction and preventive strategies to engage patients constructively.

Keywords

methamphetamine

antipsychotics

psychiatric toxicity

Dr. Philip Cawthon

olanzapine

self-management

chill packs

acute symptoms

harm reduction

clinical trial