Brugmansia suaveolens Abuse in a Patient With Multiple Substance Use Disorders: A Case Report

Anticholinergic pharmacological agents are commonly misused because of their euphoric effects, increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced social interactions. Some herbal products with anticholinergic properties can also be abused for their psychoactive effects. One such ornamental plant is Brugmansia suaveolens, which contains alkaloids including atropine and scopolamine and can produce toxic effects. This case report describes a male patient with Brugmansia suaveolens abuse and coexisting multiple substance use disorders. The patient reported consuming a decoction of Brugmansia suaveolens leaves and flowers as a daily tea for four years to obtain relief. He experienced anticholinergic symptoms, including drowsiness, sedation, agitation, ataxia, dry mouth, palpitations, fever, and visual and auditory hallucinations while under the influence of the plant. The patient was discharged following a four-week treatment course. Plants like Brugmansia suaveolens, which have anticholinergic but toxic properties, may be misused, especially by individuals with a history of multiple substance use disorders.