Disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death can occur by deeply inhaling the vapors or using large amounts over a short period of time. Oxygen displacement by the inhalant agent can cause suffocation in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point of respiratory arrest. Inhalation of toluene as well as other hydrocarbons has been associated with renal and hepatic damage, peripheral neuropathy, convulsions, encephalopathy and other CNS toxicity. Gasoline sniffing has been associated with ataxia, chorea, tremor, organic lead encephalopathy, hepatic damage, peripheral neuropathy and myopathy. Overdose of these compounds can manifest with rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, renal and hepatic damage, CNS toxicity and possible death with as little as the first time use.
Withdrawal symptoms are rare.
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