Akathisia after chronic usage of synthetic cathinones: A case study

/in /by

Synthetic cathinones are a heterogenous group of new psychoactive substances (NPS) with a surging prevalence of use. They are sold under the name of “Bath Salts,” “Legal Highs” or “Research Chemical.” It is a heterogeneous group of substances that have a varying binding selectivity and affinity. Due to limited availability of NPS screening tests, inadequate legislation, the exponential increases in availability of new NPS and the comorbid use of other illicit substances, scientific research remains scarce. As a result, insight in their mental and psychomotor effects is limited. Read more

A review of synthetic cathinones emerging in recent years (2019-2022)

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

The emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been being a continuous and evolving problem for more than a decade. Every year, dozens of new, previously unknown drugs appear on the illegal market, posing a significant threat to the health and lives of their users. Synthetic cathinones are one of the most numerous and widespread groups among NPS. The purpose of this work was to identify and summarize available data on newly emerging cathinones in very recent years. Read more

Synthetic Cathinone and Cannabinoid Designer Drugs Pose a Major Risk for Public Health

/in /by

As part of an increasing worldwide use of designer drugs, recent use of compounds containing cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids is especially prevalent. Here, we reviewed current literature on the prevalence, epidemiology, bio-behavioral effects, and detection of these compounds. Gender differences and clinical effects will also be examined. Read more

Psychoactive Substances Taken with Mephedrone and HCV Infection

/in /by

In recent years, the observed frequency of hospitalization of patients taking mephedrone with other psychoactive substances has increased. There are no data in the literature on the effect of mephedrone use on liver function in patients, including the frequency of HCV infection. We have analysed the impact of taking mephedrone together with other psychoactive substances on the incidence of HCV infection. We have also analysed the effect of taking mephedrone with heroin, alcohol, and benzodiazepines on liver enzyme levels. Read more

Abuse Potential of Cathinones in Humans: A Systematic Review

/in /by

Assessing the abuse potential of new substances with central nervous system activity is essential for preventing possible risks of misuse and addiction. The same methodology is recommended for the evaluation of the abuse potential of recreational drugs. This systematic review aims to assess the pharmacological effects related to the abuse potential and pharmacokinetics of cathinones, which are evaluated in both experimental and prospective observational studies in humans. Read more

DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Cathinone-Derived Psychostimulants

/in , , , , , , /by

Cathinone is a plant alkaloid found in khat leaves of perennial shrubs grown in East Africa. Similar to cocaine, cathinone elicits psychostimulant effects which are in part attributed to its amphetamine-like structure. Around 2010, home laboratories began altering the parent structure of cathinone to synthesize derivatives with mechanisms of action, potencies, and pharmacokinetics permitting high abuse potential and toxicity. Read more

NIDA: Synthetic cathinones

/in /by

You can download the brochure of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (USA) at THIS LINK.

Acute Pharmacological Effects of Oral and Intranasal Mephedrone: An Observational Study in Humans

/in /by

You can read this open access article in English at THIS LINK. Read more

Flakka: New Dangerous Synthetic Cathinone on the Drug Scene

/in /by

You can read this open access article at THIS LINK. Read more

Synthetic cathinones

/0 Comments/in /by

One of the predominant structural groups of NPS are synthetic cathinones. These are β-keto phenethylamines, that have similarities to amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA in structure and mechanism of action. Read more