An approach to the new psychoactive drugs phenomenon
Helen Dolengevich-Segal, Beatriz Rodríguez-salgado, Jorge Gómez-arnau, Daniel Sánchez-mateos, Daniel Sánchez-mateos
Salud Mental April 3, 2017 DOI: 10.17711/sm.0185-3325.2017.010 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Mephedrone Psychoactive substance Psychoactive drug Scopus Public health Consumption sociology Synthetic cannabinoids Medline |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | The emergence of new psychoactive drugs is a rising phenomenon with important public health consequences, and medical professionals should learn about new consumption trends and potential risks. |
Abstract
Background. The new psychoactive drugs (NPD) are those that represent a danger to public health and are not prohibited by conventions on international narcotics. The concept also includes new contexts and new routes of consumption as well as novel ways of distribution, notably Internet. The risks associated with NPD consumption are largely unknown to users and to health care providers. Objective. To integrate the existing evidence regarding the main NPD in terms of description, epidemiology, psychopharmacology, medical complications and psychoactive effects. Method. To review relevant and updated clinical information on NPD obtained from specialized books and indexed scientific journals (PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus), as well as official documents edited by international organizations dedicated to the epidemiologic analysis of drug abuse and Internet websites and forums managed by psychoactive substance users. Results. Aspects of clinical and pharmacological interest are described comprehensively, together with epidemiological data and risks associated to the consumption of the most relevant NPD: synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, NBOMe series, indoleamines, piperazines, hallucinogenic mushrooms (Psilocybe SP.), synthetic opioids, plant products (khat, kratom, Salvia divinorum, ayahuasca) and dissociative anesthetics. Discussion and conclusion. The emergence of the NPD is a phenomenon on the rise with important consequences for public health. Learning about new trends in drug consumption and its potential risks should be essential for the medical professional. New research is needed in order to understand the phenomenon of the NPD and its pharmacological, clinical and legal implications.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 36
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Acute psychological and physiological effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose?effect study Psychopharmacology March 1, 2004
- Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 2011
- Human Pharmacology of Ayahuasca: Subjective and Cardiovascular Effects, Monoamine Metabolite Excretion, and Pharmacokinetics Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics June 18, 2003
- Novel psychoactive substances of interest for psychiatry World Psychiatry February 1, 2016
and 31 more in the library