The dangers of jimson weed

What is JIMSON WEED? Jimson weed, real name is Datura stramonium, is a plant growing naturally in West Virginia and has been used as a home remedy. Because it is easily available and it has strong anticholinergic properties, teens are using jimson weed as a drug. Side effects from ingesting jimson weed include tachycardia, dry mouth, dilated pupils, blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, aggressive behavior, and difficulty urinating. Severe toxicity include coma and seizures, although death is rare. Treatment consists of activated charcoal and gastric lavage. Esmolol or other beta-blocker may be indicated to reduce severe tachycardia. Physostigmine is an anticholinesterase inhibitor, and thus it is used as the antidote for jimson weed poisoning. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and reverses the anticholinergic effects of jimson weed. But physostigmine should be used with caution and only under medical supervision as it can cause seizures, bradycardia, cholinergic crisis.

​Jeremy is 16 years old. One day he was with his friends, and he tried some seeds from the JIMSON WEED plant to get high. 3 hours later he started acting strangely, mumbling to himself and delirious. On physical examination he has mydriasis, chapped lips, tachycardia, and absent bowel sounds. He was taken to the Emergency Department. He drains 1L of urine after a Foley catheter is placed.

​References Dewitt, M S et al. “The dangers of jimson weed and its abuse by teenagers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia.” The West Virginia medical journal vol. 93,4 (1997): 182-5. physostigmine [TUSOM | Pharmwiki] (tulane.edu). Tripping off Trumpets: Diagnosis and Management of Jimson Weed Toxicity EMRA.