NBOMe Toxicity and Fatalities: A Review of the Literature
Transformative Medicine March 1, 2022 Matthew Lipow, Syed Kaleem, Eduardo Espiridion
Since entering the consumer market a decade ago, the synthetic hallucinogen NBOMe has become an increasingly common cause of altered mental status leading to hospitalization. A literature review of 42 cases of NBOMe toxicity from 16 case reports and 6 case series found that 81% experienced hallucinations, 62% had tachycardia, and 52% had hypertension. Nine of the 42 cases ended in fatality, including six from direct NBOMe toxicity, one suicide, and two from trauma after excited delirium. At least seven individuals believed they had taken LSD. The review highlights the high fatality rate associated with NBOMe and the need for greater awareness among law enforcement and emergency providers.