Stimulant/Methaqualone (Mandrax)/Cannabis Withdrawal

General and supportive measures

Medicine treatment

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ICD-10 codes: F14.23 / F15.23

GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

Patients do not usually require admission but assess for depression and suicide risk.

MEDICATION TREATMENT

No substitution medication is available for detoxification.

For symptomatic treatment of anxiety, irritability and insomnia:

• Diazepam, oral.
  • 6 - 14 years: 2 - 10 mg daily in 2 - 3 divided doses.
  • > 14 years: up to 20 mg daily in 2 - 3 divided doses.
  • Wean dose from 8 hourly, to 12 hourly, to daily every 3 - 5 days.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition

Chapter 14: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 14.13 Substance Use Disorder,  14.13.3 Substance Withdrawal,  14.13.3.4 Stimulant/methaqualone (Mandrax)/Cannabis Withdrawal