Methoxetamine toxicity reported to the National Poisons Information Service: clinical characteristics and patterns of enquiries (including the period of the introduction of the UK's first Temporary Class Drug Order)

Abstract

Structured NPIS data may reveal trends in drugs of abuse use and toxicity when interpreted within their limitations. Since April 2012, there have been fewer enquiries to NPIS from clinicians, indicating reduced presentations with suspected methoxetamine toxicity to healthcare services. It is unclear if this is related to the TCDO made on 5 April 2012.

Next generation of novel psychoactive substances on the horizon – A complex problem to face

“…In some cases the dissociative effects of methoxetamine are described as being ketamine-like, although user reports suggest they may last for a markedly longer period of time, up to 24 h (Corazza et al, 2013). At higher doses, methoxetamine produces a wide-range of unwanted effects, among them slurred speech, impairment to understand language, distortion of time perception, reduced ability to concentrate and focus, inability to coordinate movement, anxiety, fear, paranoia, changes in perception of distance, proportion and of the body imagine, as well as psychomotor agitation (Corazza et al, 2013;Elian and Hackett, 2014;Hill et al, 2013b;Hydzik et al, 2012;Kjellgren and Jonsson, 2013;Zawilska, 2014). Some self-reported experiences suggest compulsive redosing of methoxetamine as well as the unintentional consumption of more than initially planned.…”

Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances in a US nationally representative survey: Prevalence, correlates, and a call for new survey methods to prevent underreporting

“…In recent years, numerous case reports and systematic reports from poison centers and forensic laboratories have been published to alert the medical community about rates of reported poisonings and associated adverse outcomes associated with NPS use (Dart et al, 2015; Elliott and Evans, 2014; Forrester, 2013, 2014; Hill et al, 2014; Murphy et al, 2013; Vazirian et al, 2015). However, epidemiologic survey data is sorely needed from representative samples to estimate prevalence of NPS use generally, as well as use of specific NPS or classes of NPS.…”

The new European Union drugs strategy 2013–2020: a different outlook to managing drug dependence

“…Methoxetamine, a ketamine analogue, was banned in the United Kingdom in April 2012 [4]. While the total number of national PCC calls was small (n = 47), nevertheless a similar decrease was observed.…”

“…Requests for telephone advice by clinicians is generally sought only in more severe cases or when unfamiliar with the substance. Further, fear of prosecution following change of legal status may deter patients from presenting for medical care [4].…”