Intoxication with medications plays a significant role in the complication of neurological symptoms. Most often, patients seek help after intoxication with psychotropic drugs, namely antidepressants, neuroleptics and tranquilizers.
Today we will focus on a group of drugs that reduce the activity and irritability of the central nervous system, but at the same time have, probably, the largest coverage of complications.
Intoxication with benzodiazepines occurs when these drugs are taken in doses exceeding therapeutic ones, which leads to depression of the central nervous system (CNS).
Mechanism of action of benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines allosterically interact with benzodiazepine receptors associated with GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors in the brain. This interaction enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, increasing the flow of chlorine ions into neurons and reducing their excitability. As a result, sedative, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effects are manifested.
Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs that have a sedative, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effect. They are widely used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia and epilepsy. However, in case of overdose or prolonged use, benzodiazepines can cause intoxication, having a significant effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and the brain.
Mechanism of benzodiazepines action and effect on the CNS:
Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. They bind to benzodiazepine receptors located near GABA receptors, which leads to increased inhibitory processes in the CNS. This is manifested in a sedative effect, reduced anxiety and muscle relaxation. Symptoms of benzodiazepine intoxication:
In case of benzodiazepine overdose, the following symptoms are observed:
Lethargy and drowsiness:
CNS depression leads to severe sedation.
• Impaired coordination (ataxia): problems with balance and movement occur
• Slurred speech and muscle weakness: muscle tone decreases, which affects speech and motor activity.
• Respiratory depression: in severe cases, the respiratory center may be depressed, which is life-threatening.
Long-term consequences of abuse:
Chronic use of benzodiazepines can lead to:
• Development of dependence: tolerance develops, requiring an increase in the dose to achieve the effect.
• Cognitive impairment: deterioration of memory, concentration and other brain functions.
• Emotional instability: increased anxiety, depression and risk of suicidal thoughts.
Abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines can lead to the development of withdrawal syndrome, characterized by a variety of neurological symptoms.
This occurs for the following reasons:
1. Formation of physical dependence: With prolonged use of benzodiazepines, the body adapts to their presence, which leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of brain receptors to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Abrupt cessation of intake causes an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory processes in the central nervous system, which manifests itself in withdrawal symptoms.
2. Variety of withdrawal symptoms:
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms may include:
o Anxiety and irritability
o Insomnia
o Tremor
o Sweating
o Seizures
o Confusion
o Dizziness
o Depersonalization
o Headache
o Nausea
o Sensory hyperesthesia
o Gait disturbance
3. Duration of symptoms: In most cases, withdrawal symptoms last from 2 to 3 weeks. However, in some situations, individual symptoms may persist for months or years
4. Difficulty in treatment: Some withdrawal symptoms are difficult to treat due to their intensity and duration. In such cases, specialized medical care and long-term rehabilitation may be required.
Stem cell treatment of complications after drug intoxication
Currently, the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) to treat the effects of drug intoxication has quite good and lasting results. NSCs have the ability to self-repair and differentiate into various types of nervous tissue cells, which makes them promising for the restoration of damage to the central nervous system (CNS) caused by toxic effects.
Possible mechanisms of action of NSCs in case of intoxication:
1. Neuronal regeneration: NSCs can differentiate into neurons, replacing damaged cells and restoring lost functions.
2. Support of neuroplasticity: NSC transplantation promotes neuroplasticity, improving the brain’s adaptation to damage and promoting the restoration of functions.
3. Anti-inflammatory effect: NSCs can reduce inflammation in the CNS, which is important in toxic damage accompanied by inflammatory processes.
Progenitor cells in treatment protocol of drug intoxication
In our clinic, we also use the use of progenitor cells in the treatment of neurological symptoms by after drug intoxication Progenitor cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells in the nervous system, making them potentially useful for the restoration of damaged neurons and glia.
Progenitor nerve cells (PNCs) have unique properties that make them promising for the treatment of neurological diseases:
1. Differentiation ability: PNCs can turn into various types of cells in the nervous system, including neurons and glial cells, which helps restore damaged tissue.
2. Secretion of neurotrophic factors: These cells secrete substances that support the survival and growth of neurons, as well as promote axonal remyelination.
3. Modulation of the immune response: PNCs are able to regulate inflammatory processes in the central nervous system, which is important in autoimmune diseases.
4. Integration into neural networks: After transplantation, PNCs can integrate into existing neural circuits, restoring lost functions and improving neuroplasticity
Intracellular and extracellular bio cells in drug intoxication therapy
The protocol for treating intoxication symptoms with medications is always supplemented with intra- and extracellular materials, which enhances the effect of therapy and makes it possible to obtain early results of improvements
Both intracellular and extracellular materials are used in the treatment of intoxication syndrome, each of which plays an important role in the restoration and maintenance of nervous system functions.
Intracellular materials include components found inside cells that can be targets for therapy:
1. Mitochondria: These organelles are responsible for energy production in cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with many neurological disorders. Studies show that mitochondrial transplantation can reduce oxidative stress, decrease apoptosis, and improve neurological function after brain injury
2. Intracellular signaling pathways: Disturbances in these pathways can lead to the development of neurological diseases. Therapeutic strategies that target these abnormalities are considered promising for the treatment of such conditions .
Extracellular materials refer to components outside of cells that are also key in the treatment of neurological symptoms:
1. Extracellular matrix (ECM): This is a complex network of proteins and molecules that surround the cells of the nervous system. The ECM regulates the processes of neuronal development, activity, and growth. Modulation of the composition and structure of the ECM can contribute to the restoration of nervous system function in various diseases
2. Extracellular vesicles (EVs): Microscopic bubbles secreted by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and RNA. EVs have potential for the treatment of neurological disorders, as they can reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and serve as carriers for drug delivery .
Understanding and exploiting these intracellular and extracellular components provides new opportunities for obtaining effective treatment results for neurological symptoms.
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