Chapter 2853: 2759.2649 Love Seed

2759.2649 Love Seed

"Prepare a gastric tube; a temporary one will do. Fetch a clonidine gastric tube later to administer the medication." Zheng Ren arranged.

"Oh."

Director Wang had some doubts, but he didn't ask and instead started getting busy.

This is at least the minimum respect for Zheng Lao Ban, and the drug given isn't controversial—just clonidine. Can 0.2 mg of clonidine be lethal? Surely not.

That statement isn't entirely accurate either; it's overwhelmingly unlikely to cause problems. After all, clonidine itself has certain side effects, and clinically it's already on the verge of being phased out.

No matter what Zheng Lao Ban is thinking, first give the clonidine, then talk. During emergency resuscitation there's no time to explain; Director Wang knows this well.

Soon, a cardiology doctor ran over with the clonidine, the gastric tube was also inserted, and via the gastric tube the medication was given—0.2 mg of clonidine administered.

"Let's observe; wait 20 minutes." Zheng Ren said calmly.

"Boss, what's the meaning of giving clonidine?" Su Yun couldn't help but ask first.

"According to Director Jiang and Director Wang's case history, the patient's manic-depressive disorder stems from incessant nightmares." Zheng Ren looked at the patient's system panel color, "Nightmares usually occur during REM sleep and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety, trauma, sleep deprivation, medication, etc."

"Bupropion is an NE and DA reuptake inhibitor; it can affect sleep structure by increasing REM sleep and density." Zheng Ren continued, "Studies suggest long-term oral bupropion may lead to nightmares."

"Bupropion causes nightmares?" Director Jiang stared for a moment; after decades in psychiatry, how could he not know this?

"There's related research in PrimCare Companion CNS Disorders; it's not common, but generally seen in patients taking extended-release bupropion." Zheng Ren looked at the patient's system panel color already beginning to fade, speaking confidently: "Antidepressants like bupropion can prolong REM sleep latency and increase REM activity and density."

"This is the basic principle of drug action." Zheng Ren said, "Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat ADHD and hypertension; its mechanism reduces sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system."

This is an impromptu public lecture.

No lights, no microphone, not Su Yun's celebrity-level looks. Only Zheng Ren, with a calm and confident demeanor.

Zheng Ren stood beside the patient, not glancing at those around, but intently staring at the patient's system panel and monitor.

The system panel's color grew fainter as the drug took effect; he unconsciously revealed a hint of a happy smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Clonidine's mechanism can suppress or reduce REM sleep, possibly counteracting bupropion's effect on REM sleep to some extent, thereby improving nightmares."

"……"

Director Jiang was dumbstruck.

If earlier clinical misdiagnoses of other diseases as psychiatric disorders could be excused by differing specialties, then misdiagnosing here would also be understandable.

But now we're discussing pure psychiatric diagnosis and treatment; Zheng Lao Ban didn't use some new drug he'd never heard of, but merely an old antihypertensive that's obsolete in clinic—clonidine.

Could it really work? Director Jiang had a slight doubt.

"Clonidine itself carries risk; patients engaging in hazardous activities like operating machinery or driving should be aware of its possible sedative effect. This sedative effect can be enhanced when used concurrently with alcohol, barbiturates, or other sedatives."

"That's why clonidine isn't sold in regular pharmacies—it has sedative properties, and discontinuing it also requires professional physician guidance."

Watching the patient's agitation gradually subside, Zheng Ren smiled and said, "Looks like it's taking effect."

"Boss, why are you researching clonidine?" Su Yun asked doubtfully.

"I've encountered similar patients in Hai Cheng." Zheng Ren answered offhand.

Su Yun pursed her lips; his own boss is willing to use that excuse. He went to the Emergency Department a few days ago and already went himself—how can he shamelessly say that every time! What a thick-skinned guy.

After waiting another ten-odd minutes, the patient's manic state was completely relieved, he began to fall into deep sleep, snoring loudly.

"Let's do a head CT to have a look." Zheng Ren smiled and said, "Director Jiang."

"Eh!" Director Jiang immediately responded, bending his waist even lower.

"This time the drug dose was a bit high; from now on, to reduce recurring nightmares, give the patient clonidine 0.1 mg nightly." Zheng Ren said, "The nightmare condition should improve in about three days, and normally disappear completely in about ten days. Monitor the patient's condition; once nightmares are fully gone, clonidine can be switched to every other day, then discontinued after a month."

"Eh, eh." Director Jiang nodded eagerly, desperately trying to remember Zheng Lao Ban's medical orders. Fortunately, this regimen isn't complicated, and Director Jiang doesn't worry about forgetting it.

"Nightmares might be a side effect of bupropion treatment; clonidine may help improve this. But if you prescribe clonidine for patients in the future, you should also pay closer attention to their blood pressure." Zheng Ren instructed, "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be off."

After speaking, Zheng Ren looked around, smiled, and said to Director Wu and Director Wang, "I can't join you for dinner; it's still early, I promised my girlfriend I'd go home to eat."

Bringing up the girlfriend, Director Wu had nothing to say.

At Zheng Lao Ban's age, it's precisely the time to romance his girlfriend. No wonder he usually doesn't go out to eat—he's actually a love‑seed.

"Zheng Lao Ban, look at how this turned out." Director Wang still felt a bit embarrassed, repeatedly apologizing: "You came to give a lecture, and you didn't even get to share a hot meal with Professor Su—really embarrassing."

"No problem; if anything comes up, contact me via WeChat." Zheng Ren smiled and strode out of People's Hospital with Su Yun.

Feng Xu Hui had been waiting in the car at the entrance for who knows how long; Zheng Ren opened the door, waved back, and got in.

Watching the off‑vehicle disappear quickly into the hazy night, Director Wang let out a sigh.

Zheng Lao Ban is truly impressive, especially when standing beside the cart explaining the patient's diagnosis and treatment. The backdrop was the patient's agitation gradually weakening; his words at the time didn't seem remarkable. Now looking back, they were like claps of thunder.

He seems to be good at general surgery Shou Bing too; later I must definitely find an Opportunity to invite him to come perform several Shou Bing, observe on-site a bit, Director Wang thought to himself.