Don’t Smoke ’Em if You Got ’Em

A 22-year-old man with no past medical history presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. He was brought in by police who reported using a TASER on him three times after he became violent with them. His friends report he smoked K2. His initial vital signs included a temperature of 99.9°F, a heart rate of 137 bpm, blood pressure of 151/76 mm Hg, a respiratory rate of 22 bpm, and pulse oximetry of 98% on room air. The patient was agitated and combative, and was placed in four-point restraints.   K2 is a synthetic cannabinoid. Other commonly used synthetic cannabinoids include spice, moon rocks, comatose candy, and black mamba. Typically, the synthetic cannabinoid chemicals are sprayed onto a plant material and sold in packets marketed as incense or aromatherapy. Most come with a warning label of “not for human consumption” to hide its intended use and avoid regulatory control. Synthetic cannabinoids were first reported in 2008. Local and federal agencies have been enacting ordinances and placing many of the identified synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule 1 status to control sale and distribution and manage the potential public health threat. Synthetic cannabinoids, however, may still be available via the Internet and in gas stations and head shops.   The recent resurgence of designer drug abuse with unusual presentations and high degree of severity with intoxication has put this drug at the forefront of the public consciousness again. The New York ...
Source: The Tox Cave - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs