New and Emerging Illicit Psychoactive Substances

Several novel psychoactive substances have emerged in recent years. Users are typically young men who use other substances. In the category of stimulants, cathinones ( “bath salts”) have predominated and can lead to agitation, psychosis, hyperthermia, and death. Synthetic cannabinoids (“spice”) are more potent than marijuana and can lead to agitation, psychosis, seizures, and death. There are no rapid tests to identify these substances and general treatmen t includes benzodiazepines for agitation and supportive therapy. Many Synthetic opioids are potent analogues of fentanyl and carry a high risk of overdose. In addition, there are several designer benzodiazepines that have emerged.

Source: Medical Clinics of North America - June 20, 2018 Category: Primary Care Authors: Ryan Graddy, Megan E. Buresh, Darius A. Rastegar Source Type: research