Emerging drugs of abuse

Nelson, M. E.; Bryant, Sean M.; Aks, Steven E.

doi:10.1016/j.disamonth.2014.01.001

Cited by 43 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 158 publications

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“…Phenethylamines are synthetic compounds commercially known as “party pills” (e.g., tablets of different colors/shapes, capsules, powder/crystal). They act on serotoninergic receptors leading to psychedelic effects and some of them inhibit the monoamine reuptake as well (Nelson et al, 2014 ); 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), widely known as “ecstasy,” is one of the most popular drugs among young people because of its stimulant effects. But, recently a growing use of new dangerous molecules on the recreational drug scene, such as 2C and its derivatives (e.g., “N-Bomb,” “B-Fly,” and “Dr.…”

Section: Nps: From Chemistry To Pharmacological Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants

et al. 2016

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New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a heterogeneous and rapidly evolving class of molecules available on the global illicit drug market (e.g smart shops, internet, “dark net”) as a substitute for controlled substances. The use of NPS, mainly consumed along with other drugs of abuse and/or alcohol, has resulted in a significantly growing number of mortality and emergency admissions for overdoses, as reported by several poison centers from all over the world. The fact that the number of NPS have more than doubled over the last 10 years, is a critical challenge to governments, the scientific community, and civil society [EMCDDA (European Drug Report), 2014; UNODC, 2014b; Trends and developments]. The chemical structure (phenethylamines, piperazines, cathinones, tryptamines, synthetic cannabinoids) of NPS and their pharmacological and clinical effects (hallucinogenic, anesthetic, dissociative, depressant) help classify them into different categories. In the recent past, 50% of newly identified NPS have been classified as synthetic cannabinoids followed by new phenethylamines (17%) (UNODC, 2014b). Besides peripheral toxicological effects, many NPS seem to have addictive properties. Behavioral, neurochemical, and electrophysiological evidence can help in detecting them. This manuscript will review existing literature about the addictive and rewarding properties of the most popular NPS classes: cannabimimetics (JWH, HU, CP series) and amphetamine-like stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, methcathinone, and MDMA analogs). Moreover, the review will include recent data from our lab which links JWH-018, a CB1 and CB2 agonist more potent than Δ9-THC, to other cannabinoids with known abuse potential, and to other classes of abused drugs that increase dopamine signaling in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) shell. Thus the neurochemical mechanisms that produce the rewarding properties of JWH-018, which most likely contributes to the greater incidence of dependence associated with “Spice” use, will be described (De Luca et al., 2015a). Considering the growing evidence of a widespread use of NPS, this review will be useful to understand the new trends in the field of drug reward and drug addiction by revealing the rewarding properties of NPS, and will be helpful to gather reliable data regarding the abuse potential of these compounds.

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Section: Nps: From Chemistry To Pharmacological Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants

et al. 2016

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“…It has been reported that these stimulant effects usually last 3-4 hours [4]. There is no rapid and readily available diagnostic test for this drug [5]. We suspected a new generation of psychoactive drugs intake in our patient because of the negative results of urine examination for other toxicodomain tests.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

A Terrifying Drug Threats the Streets: Flakka - A Case Report

Atiş¹,

Yılmaz²,

Bozan³

et al. 2018

J Mol Imag Dynamic

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Flakka, also scientific named alpha-pyrrolidinopenthophenone, is a synthetic drug substance that gives the person who uses it more self-confident, agitation, completely closes the consciousness. It has attracted attention in recent years due to the social destruction and become medical pathological condition in worldwide. We present a case who admitted using powdery drug, with similar sign and symptoms with Flakka, in which toxicological screening tests are normal to create awareness.

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“…The changing landscape of drug use, including continued innovation of street drugs [ 1 ], intravenous injection of tablets meant for oral ingestion [ 2 ] and a changing demographic and resurgence in abuse of older drugs such as heroin [ 3 ], present a continuing challenge to healthcare teams. Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine abuse is a widely known problem but there is a growing literature describing abuse of medications that are not conventionally considered to have high abuse liability including several types of antidepressants [ 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intravenous melatonin abuse leading to recurrent aortic valve endocarditis: a case report and discussion

2016

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BackgroundReports of inappropriate medication use are widespread. There is a growing literature detailing abuse of drugs not typically thought to have high abuse liability. Melatonin is considered to be generally safe and is categorized by the Food and Drug Administration as a nutritional supplement. There are no known reports of intravenous melatonin abuse in the medical literature.Case presentationThe authors report a case of a patient injecting melatonin with euphoric and then sedative effects leading to two episodes of infective endocarditis culminating in aortic valve replacement.ConclusionInfective endocarditis continues to be a major potential complication of intravenous drug abuse. The proliferation of novel street drugs, resurgence in the use of older drugs and ongoing abuse of medications warrant continued research and vigilance in treating substance use disorders and attendant medical complications.

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Emerging drugs of abuse

Cited by 43 publications

References 158 publications

Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants

Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants

A Terrifying Drug Threats the Streets: Flakka - A Case Report

Intravenous melatonin abuse leading to recurrent aortic valve endocarditis: a case report and discussion

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