The Dangerous Trend of Using Sulfonylureas as Recreational Drugs
Taking sulfonylureas sold as "street Valium" can lead to severe hypoglycemia that may result in emergency department (ED) visits. Sulfonylureas have no potential for abuse, but they physically resemble Valiums and are easier for illicit drug dealers to obtain because they're not a controlled substance, and they can be sold for considerably more money. A typical urine toxicology screen for drugs wouldn't detect a sulfonylurea. Ocreotide, a long-acting somatostatin agonist, is a unique antidote for sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia.