Cogentin buzz?

Jules A, MSN · Apr 26, 2009

I have pts that without any really obvious agitation, yes I know I'm not to be the ultimate judge of this lol, insist on IMs and personally I think for some its about the quicker response and for most its about the rush of getting the needle.

Quilter0225 · Apr 27, 2009

I didn't think about someone getting off on the needle stick! The other possibility that I thought of is that this patient is very borderline, so maybe this fits in with her "identity" as a mental patient. She has been in the hospital quite a while. She says things like, "I have institutionalized behaviors." She also seems to pick up anybody else's symptoms that are worse than hers or more interesting than hers. I guess she thinks it's catching! We did have someone on the unit who had EPS for real. I can't remember if he got IM Cogentin or just PO. I could have sworn she was on a different unit during that time. Maybe she heard about it?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Apr 27, 2009

I think it's possible to get a "buzz" from IM Cogentin. A side effect of cogentin is "false sense of well-being". Since IM Cogentin would be effective quicker than PO, it could give a "zing." Cogentin increases dopamine--dopamine can be "zingy."

That being said, getting a buzz from a med isn't a reason to be given the med!

SweetLemon · Apr 27, 2009

Yeah I have heard that also regarding people who have been drug abusers in the past a "needle buzz" works as a mini fix for them. I also have another patient who insists on IM Prolixin because he is certain the POs are poison. Sounds like your right-on regarding the borderline part as well, borderlines will do about anything for a bit more attention.

felixfelix · Apr 27, 2009

could you get "atropine psychosis" from a big enough dose? people can get a buzz from benadryl, too, yes?

elkpark · Apr 27, 2009

I've had many clients over the years attempt to fake EPS because they wanted Cogentin (felt they got a "buzz" from it), but the people I've encountered didn't have a preference for IM -- plain ol' po Cogentin would do just fine.

On the other hand, I have encountered people who tried to come up with all sorts of reasons why they needed Ativan IM instead of po.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Apr 30, 2009

Interesting regarding the IM's.

I have seen in the past, research material regarding PET scans...that just the witnessing/handling of the syringe and needle initiates a "mini high" all its own in addicts. Sort of like the mini high before the big high.