The abuse of dimenhydrinate also leads to temporary amnesia after periods of prolonged use because it decreases the amount of acetycholine in the body. Overdose can lead to MI or heart attacks, pupil dilation, urinary retention, dry red skin, heaviness of the legs and coma or even death. There have been reports of the abuse of this drug as far back as 1968. Dependency and tolerance are seen in those who continuously take the medication when more than 4 times the recommended dose is taken. It is used by young females for the anorexic and sedative type effects.
Acute intoxication of this drug happens when a person takes from 750-1250 mg at once. When doses are close to 800 mg, hallucinations and euphoria are seen, as well as visual sensations. When larger doses close to 1250 mg are taken, confusion and violence are seen in most cases. The intoxication seen in individuals is mostly seen when there is a history of drug use. Chronic use is seen when a tolerance to the drug is felt, where patients will take up to 5,000mg daily. When the drug is not taken by these individuals, withdrawal symptoms will be seen including lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, irritability and amnesia.
