Journal of Analytical Toxicology
April 20, 2022
Amanda L A Mohr, Barry K. Logan, Melissa F. Fogarty et al.
66 citations
A critical review of published case reports from January 2017 through December 2020 identified 1,319 cases of adverse events associated with novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including 378 overdose fatalities, 771 cases requiring clinical treatment or hospitalization, and 170 cases of driving under the influence. The review covers chemistry, pharmacology, user profiles, and clinical symptoms for over 60 NPS, with 50 substances reported for the first time compared to the previous four years. Cases span synthetic cannabinoids, NPS stimulants, hallucinogens, benzodiazepines, and opioids. The findings aim to improve awareness and characterization of emerging international drug threats.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
November 1, 2001
Barry K. Logan, Fiona J. Couper
62 citations
MDMA (ecstasy) impairs driving ability through stimulant and mood-altering effects that disrupt psychomotor skills. A review of laboratory driving simulators, anecdotal reports, and case series, along with eighteen new cases of apparent MDMA-impaired driving (six with only MDMA in blood), found subjects commonly showed muscle twitching, body tremors, dilated pupils, slow pupillary light reaction, elevated pulse and blood pressure, poor balance and coordination, and profuse sweating. Five of six drivers given field sobriety tests performed poorly. No clear correlation existed between blood MDMA concentration and specific demeanor. The evidence indicates MDMA use is inconsistent with safe driving, and impairment may persist long after last use.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
July 16, 2018
Alex J. Krotulski, Amanda L A Mohr, Melissa F. Fogarty et al.
50 citations
Among people attending electronic dance music festivals, self-reported use of Ecstasy, Molly, or MDMA often does not match what is actually in their system. Over four years, oral fluid from 223 participants who said they had recently used one or more of those terms was tested. Only 54.3% had MDMA alone; 29.6% tested positive for a novel stimulant instead. Most participants (91%) used only one term, with Molly the most common (60.6%), followed by MDMA (27.1%) and Ecstasy (12.3%). The findings indicate that the terms Ecstasy, Molly, and MDMA are not used interchangeably or accurately, and that users may unknowingly consume novel psychoactive substances.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
June 1, 2019
Lorna A. Nisbet, Fiona M Wylie, Barry K. Logan et al.
40 citations
A validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method can simultaneously quantify 23 new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in blood and urine, including NBOMe compounds that are usually analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method, which uses solid-phase extraction and derivatization, met SWGTOX guidelines for bias, precision, linearity, and stability. When applied to reanalyze 12 blood samples from eight cases where 25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, methoxetamine, and methylone had previously been detected, the method quantitatively detected these drugs in 75% of samples, with 42% containing either 25C-NBOMe or 25I-NBOMe. This approach offers a practical alternative for laboratories lacking specialized equipment.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
January 27, 2025
Melissa F. Fogarty, Sara E Walton, Michael T Truver et al.
6 citations
N,N-dimethylpentylone (DMP), a synthetic cathinone found in counterfeit 'Ecstasy' and 'Molly' tablets, is a psychomotor stimulant that can cause adverse clinical outcomes including death. A new assay using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry measured DMP and five related compounds in 125 forensic cases. In postmortem blood, DMP concentrations ranged from 3.3 to 4600 ng/mL (mean 320 ng/mL, median 150 ng/mL). Its primary metabolite, pentylone, was present in 98% of cases. DMP potently inhibited the dopamine transporter (IC50 of 49 nM) but was 100-fold weaker at the serotonin transporter. In mice, DMP was a locomotor stimulant (ED50 of 3.5 mg/kg). After DMP's scheduling in 2024, an unregulated replacement may emerge.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
September 1, 2009
Barry K. Logan
Dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, is increasingly abused for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects at high doses. In a series of twelve drivers arrested for driving under the influence, eight had taken dextromethorphan with chlorpheniramine, and four had taken dextromethorphan alone. Blood concentrations of dextromethorphan ranged from 150 to 1220 ng/mL in combined cases and 190 to 1000 ng/mL in dextromethorphan-only cases. Drivers showed signs of central nervous system depression, including impaired driving behaviors such as weaving, lane departure, and collisions. Drug recognition experts confirmed the drivers were under the influence of a CNS-depressant drug.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
March 1, 2009
Barry K. Logan, Gary Goldfogel, Rebecca Hamilton et al.
Five teenage males in three states died after intentionally ingesting large, recreational doses of dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough suppressant that can cause intoxication, hallucinations, and dissociation at high doses. All obtained the drug from the same internet supplier. Postmortem blood concentrations ranged from 950 to 3230 ng/mL, far above therapeutic levels. Three also had diphenhydramine, one a trace of alprazolam, and two tested positive for cannabinoids. Each death was attributed to dextromethorphan toxicity or combined drug toxicity. The article describes the drug's metabolism, pharmacology, and interaction risks, and notes that the deaths led to prosecution of three individuals involved in selling or distributing the drug.