Amphetamine toxicity causes BLANK pupils.

Amphetamine toxicity causes BLANK pupils.

• A. Dilated
• B. Constricted
• C. Normal
• D. Unequal

Answer: (A)

Amphetamine toxicity triggers a sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response, increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the synapses. This sympathetic surge acts on the iris dilator muscle, causing pupil dilation (mydriasis). That’s why dilated pupils are the typical finding in stimulant intoxication. In contrast, constricted pupils are more typical of opioid overdose due to parasympathetic dominance, and normal or unequal pupils suggest other issues such as trauma or neurologic conditions.

Amphetamine toxicity triggers a sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response, increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the synapses. This sympathetic surge acts on the iris dilator muscle, causing pupil dilation (mydriasis). That’s why dilated pupils are the typical finding in stimulant intoxication. In contrast, constricted pupils are more typical of opioid overdose due to parasympathetic dominance, and normal or unequal pupils suggest other issues such as trauma or neurologic conditions.