CNS toxicity can present in diverse forms. Often vaguely described as altered mental status, CNS toxicity can manifest as a depressed level of consciousness, agitation, confusion, or psychosis. Each of these may exist along a spectrum, may coexist, and may wax and wane.

If you take too much of a stimulant-like drug, such as cocaine, amphetamine, crack or ecstasy, overdose signs can include:

• anxiety and paranoia.
• restlessness or agitation.
• hallucinations.
• high temperature.
• chest pain.
• rapid breathing.
• irregular or fast heartbeat.

Vancomycin has been shown to cause local neurotoxic consequences when it is administered intraventricularly. The findings were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and eosinophilia, which are believed to be mediated by vancomycin-induced inflammatory process within the CSF, and could be prevented by dose adjustment.

How do CNS depressants affect the brain?

• slurred speech.
• poor concentration.
• confusion.
• headache.
• light-headedness.
• dizziness.
• dry mouth.
• problems with movement and memory.

Initial signs and symptoms include agitation, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dysphoria, auditory changes, tinnitus, perioral numbness, metallic taste, and dysarthria. Without adequate recognition and treatment, these signs as symptoms can progress to seizures, respiratory arrest, and/or coma.

Paralysis or weakness in the limbs.

Drug toxicity may occur when a person has consumed a dose of a drug that is too high for them to handle. It may also occur when the person’s liver and/or kidneys are unable to function properly and get the drug out of the bloodstream. This can cause it to build up over time until it starts to cause problems.

Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Food may increase bioavailability and prolong the duration of therapeutic urinary concentrations. Concentrations in blood and body tissues are low; crosses the placenta and the blood-brain barrier and distributes in breast milk (trace amounts).

Symptoms of severe CNS depression include:

• reduced heart rate.
• low breathing rate of fewer than 10 breaths per minute.
• extreme confusion or memory loss.
• nausea and vomiting.
• poor judgment.
• blue lips or fingertips.
• irritability and aggression.
• clammy or cold skin.

A type of drug that increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and increases alertness, attention, energy, and physical activity. CNS stimulants also raise blood pressure and increase heart rate and breathing rate.