Q & A #2

Yes, folks, it's that time again. That time when I scroll through the long list of search queries that brought people to this blog and pick out ones that were posed as questions that I would like to answer. Check out my first instalment of this fun little exercise here. As always, incorrect spelling and grammar have been subjected to the righteous fury of a semi-literate man. Myself.


Can I use Tylenol to kill a cat ?

Yes. But don't, because cats are nice and overdosing on Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a mean way to die, not to mention the fact that YOU'D BE KILLING A CAT. Jesus, if you really don't want it, drop it off at the local humane society or take it to a vet to get it put down. But don't do it yourself. By the way, cats are apparently highly sensitive to the hepatotoxic effects of acetaminophen, to the point that even a small portion of a single pill can do them in!


What organs are affected by LSD ?

LSD affects any tissues that express serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, since these are the primary target for this drug in the body. In addition to their presence in the brain, these receptors are found in platelets and in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, uterus, and blood vessels. As a result, LSD can induce platelet aggregation, uterine contractions (induction of labour in pregnant women), abdominal cramps and soreness, and vasoconstriction. LSD also affects the heart (increases heart rate), eyes (mydriasis), and the salivary and mucous glands (increases the production of both secretions). I'm guessing that it's effects on these organs is produced indirectly, via central (occurring in the brain) stimulation of the autonomic nervous system.


(soaking marijuana in codeine)

This wasn't a question, but I just wanted to point out the crazy things that people will consider doing recreationally with drugs. Given the nature of humanity, I expect that this has been tried before. I suppose it would be kind of fun, getting stoned two different ways at once, provided you dosed things correctly. Best wishes!


Do sharpies make you high ?

Yes. But they also damage your brain. And you get black rims around your nostrils that make you look like someone who gets off on sniffing sharpies. Stick with white-out, folks. At least then people might think you're doing coke.


Does Benadryl affect heparin / Can Bendaryl delay your period ?

First off, I should point out that in the United States, Benadryl is a trade name for diphenhydramine, a first generation antihistamine. However, in Britain, depending on the particular formulation, Benadryl may contain diphenhydramine, acrivastine, or cetirizine (the latter two being second generation antihistamines, which basically means that they don't make you drowsy because they only target the site of your allergies instead of also acting on your brain). Antihistamines have been shown to prevent adverse hemodynamic responses to heparin (e.g. hemorrhaging) if they are given prophylactically (i.e. before the heparin is given). I can't find anything else in the scientific literature. Irregular menses (e.g. a delay in your period) is not associated with antihistamine (e.g. Benadryl) use, although certain drugs, such as opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine), can cause this effect.


Kanbak M et al. Prophylactic administration of histamine 1 and/or histamine 2 receptor blockers in the prevention of heparin- and protamine-related haemodynamic effects. Anaesth Intensive Care. 1996 Oct;24(5):559-63.

Leysen JE et al. Serotonin-S2 receptor binding sites and functional correlates. Neuropharmacology. 1984 Dec;23(12B):1493-501.