Psychotic states may occur after using a variety of legal and illegal substances. Substances whose use or withdrawal is implicated in psychosis include the following:
International Classification of Diseases Psychoactive substance-induced psychotic disorders outlined within the
ICD-10 codes F10.5—F19.5: • F10.5
alcohol: Alcohol is a common cause of psychotic disorders or episodes, which may occur through acute intoxication, chronic alcoholism, withdrawal, exacerbation of existing disorders, or acute idiosyncratic reactions. While the vast majority of cases are acute and resolve fairly quickly upon treatment and/or abstinence, they can occasionally become chronic and persistent. • F11.5
opioid: Studies show stronger opioids such as
fentanyl are more likely to cause psychosis and hallucinations • F12.5
cannabinoid: Some studies indicate that
cannabis may trigger full-blown psychosis. Recent studies have found an increase in risk for psychosis in cannabis users. • F13.5 sedatives/hypnotics (
barbiturates;
benzodiazepines): It is also important to this topic to understand the
paradoxical effects of some sedative drugs. Serious complications can occur in conjunction with the use of sedatives creating the opposite effect as to that intended.
Malcolm Lader at the
Institute of Psychiatry in London estimates the incidence of these adverse reactions at about 5%, even in short-term use of the drugs. The
paradoxical reactions may consist of
depression, with or without
suicidal tendencies,
phobias, aggressiveness,
violent behavior and symptoms sometimes misdiagnosed as psychosis. However, psychosis is more commonly related to the
benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. • F14.5
cocaine • F15.5 other stimulants:
amphetamines,
methamphetamine, •
Toluene, found in glue, paint,
thinner, etc. . •
Butane •
Gasoline (petrol) F17.5 is reserved for tobacco-induced psychosis, but is traditionally not associated with the induction of psychosis. The code F15.5 also includes
caffeine-induced psychosis, despite not being specifically listed in the
DSM-IV. However, there is evidence that caffeine, in extreme acute doses or when taken in excess for long periods of time, may induce psychosis.
Medication •
Fluoroquinolone drugs: Fluoroquinolone use has been linked to serious cases of toxic psychosis . The related quinoline derivative
mefloquine (Lariam) has also been associated with psychosis. •
Over-the-counter drugs, including: •
Dextromethorphan (DXM) at high doses. • Certain
antihistamines at high doses. • Cold medications (i.e., containing
phenylpropanolamine, or PPA) • Prescription drugs: •
Prednisone and other
corticosteroids •
Isotretinoin •
Anticholinergic drugs •
Atropine •
Scopolamine •
Antidepressants •
L-DOPA •
Anticonvulsants •
Antipsychotics, in an
idiosyncratic or
paradoxical reaction • Antimalarials •
Mepacrine Other drugs illicit in America Other drugs illegal in America (not listed above), including: •
MDMA (ecstasy) •
Phencyclidine (PCP) •
Ketamine • Synthetic
research chemicals used recreationally, including: •
JWH-018 and some other
synthetic cannabinoids, or mixtures containing them (e.g. "Spice", "Kronic", "MNG" or "Mr. Nice Guy", "Relaxinol", etc.). Various "JWH-..." compounds in "Spice" or "Incense" have also been found and have been found to cause psychosis in some people. •
Mephedrone and related amphetamine-like drugs sold as "
bath salts" or "plant food".
Plants Plants: •
Hawaiian baby woodrose (contains
ergine) •
Morning glory seeds (contains
ergine) •
Datura (Jimsonweed, devil's trumpet, thorn apple) •
Belladonna (deadly nightshade) •
Salvia divinorum Nonmedicinal substances Substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source: •
Carbon monoxide (),
carbon dioxide (),
carbon disulfide (); •
Heavy metals; •
Organophosphate insecticides (); •
Sarin and other
nerve gases; •
Tetraethyllead (); •
Aniline (); •
Acetone and other
ketones (); •
Antifreeze – a mixture of ethylene glycol and other glycols (); •
Arsenic and its compounds (). == See also ==