Drugs that enslave : $b The opium, morphine, chloral and hashisch habitsKane, H. H. (Harry Hubbell)
Science
Drugs that enslave : $b The opium, morphine, chloral and hashisch habits
Kane, H. H. (Harry Hubbell)
Drug addiction
Mr. von X., sent to the Institution by Professor Westphal, had caught
cold while on a journey, which brought on rheumatic pains. To relieve him
injections of morphia have been administered since 1872, at first by the
medical attendant, and afterward by the patient himself, and in increased
quantities, the largest daily dose having amounted to sixteen grains.
The symptoms showing themselves in consequence of this use were loss of
appetite and sleep, excited condition, emaciation, tremor of the hands.
On October 9, 1875, patient came into the Institution; he had injected
morphia for the last time on the morning of the same day. At 10 P.M.
patient went to bed and at once fell asleep. At 3.30 A.M. he was sick,
felt very weak and prostrate, suffered from twitching in the lower
extremities and diarrhœa.
October 10. In the morning patient had five relaxed motions. Frequent
vomiting during the whole of the day. Excitement and intense craving for
morphia increases hourly. In the afternoon he talks of suicide.
October 11. Patient has had no sleep during the night, but has been
frequently sick. Severe vomiting continued until 11 A.M., but stopped
entirely during the rest of the day. Patient complains of languid pains in
the legs, severe pain in the stomach.
October 12. At 10 P.M. patient suddenly started up, and in a frightened
manner asked, several times, “Was not the doctor in the room just now?”
only the nurse having been present. Until 12 P.M. he laid in bed quietly
without speaking; he afterward raised himself up and screamed out, in
great excitement, “Who is that big fellow in the next room? He is so tall
that he cannot get through the door! And now he is getting taller still.
Now there are several of them; they are ghosts!” His voice was trembling,
his extremities in constant convulsive movements. He was quieted, but only
with great difficulty. Again and again he raised himself and anxiously
looked at the door. Temperature, 38.5° C. (101.3° F.). In the morning the
patient addressed the superintendent, as he entered, as follows: “Ah,
good morning, dear Emily. I am very glad you are coming!” While saying
so he was lying down quietly. Now and then he raised his head slightly
and looked at the wall for a time, as if observing something, and his
lips were moving as if he was talking to somebody. In the course of the
day he vomited considerably, several times. Patient feels very weak, the
speech is unintelligible, the tremor has increased. He entered into a
short conversation, and thinks himself better than yesterday. Although
very tired he cannot get to sleep. Pulse was strong throughout the day.
Auscultation and percussion of the lungs and heart showed a normal
condition. The bladder was empty and no urine was passed until 5 P.M.
Several relaxed motions.
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