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A Fatality Related to Two Novel Hallucinogenic Compounds: 4-Methoxyphencyclidine and 4-Hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine

Iain M. Mcintyre, Amber Trochta, Ray D. Gary, Alina Storey, Jennifer Corneal, Bethann Schaber

Journal of Analytical Toxicology August 10, 2015 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkv089 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Case report Peer reviewed
Sample size 1
Population A deceased man
Topics MDMA
Keywords Hallucinogen Hydroxyzine Urine Pharmacology Phencyclidine Chromatography
Citations 30
Key findings The hallucinogen 4-MeO-PCP was present at high concentrations in postmortem fluids and tissues, contributing to a fatal acute mixed drug intoxication.

Abstract

In this case report, we present an evaluation of postmortem concentration distribution of the hallucinogenic compound 4-methoxyphencyclidine (4-MeO-PCP) in a fatality principally attributed to this drug. Another hallucinogen, 4-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine was also detected, but was not quantitated. A man--who had a history of recent 'strange' behavior--was found deceased, on his bed, in his locked room. Toxicology testing, which initially screened positive for phencyclidine (PCP) by ELISA, subsequently detected and confirmed the two hallucinogens by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 4-MeO-PCP concentrations were then quantified by a specific secondary testing technique. The peripheral blood concentration was 8.2 mg/L compared with the central blood concentration of 14 mg/L. The liver concentration was 120 mg/kg, the vitreous was 5.1 mg/L, the urine was 140 mg/L and the gastric contents contained 280 mg. PCP was not detected, but therapeutic concentrations of venlafaxine, olanzapine, lorazepam and hydroxyzine were confirmed. The cause of death was certified due to acute mixed drug intoxication, and the manner of death was certified as accident.

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Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) Psychiatric patients presenting between 1990 and 1992 whose symptoms developed in the... 1994 Case series n = 13

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