Baths Salts, Spice, and Related Designer Drugs: The Science Behind the Headlines
Michael H. Baumann, Ernesto Solis, Lucas R. Watterson, Julie A. Marusich, William E Fantegrossi, Jenny L Wiley
Journal of Neuroscience November 12, 2014 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3223-14.2014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Synthetic cannabinoids Designer drug Recreational drug Drugs of abuse Pharmacology Toxicology Receptor |
| Citations | 157 |
| Key findings | Synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids can produce dangerous medical consequences at high doses or with chronic exposure, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and death. |
Abstract
The abuse of synthetic psychoactive substances known as "designer drugs," or "new psychoactive substances" (NPS), is increasing at an alarming rate. NPS are purchased as alternatives to traditional illicit drugs of abuse and are manufactured to circumvent laws regulating the sale and use of controlled substances. Synthetic cathinones (i.e., "bath salts") and synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., "spice") are two types of NPS that have received substantial media attention. Although low recreational doses of bath salts or spice compounds can produce desirable effects, high doses or chronic exposure often leads to dangerous medical consequences, including psychosis, violent behaviors, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and even death. Despite the popularity of NPS, there is a paucity of scientific data about these drugs. Here we provide a brief up-to-date review describing the mechanisms of action and neurobiological effects of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids.
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
Cited by 14
- New psychoactive substances of natural origin: A brief review Journal of Food and Drug Analysis April 18, 2017
- Reports of Adverse Events Associated with Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances, 2017–2020: A Review Journal of Analytical Toxicology April 20, 2022
- New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – a Challenge for the Addiction Treatment Services Pharmacopsychiatry April 25, 2017
- The Bridge Between Classical and “Synthetic”/Chemical Psychoses: Towards a Clinical, Psychopathological, and Therapeutic Perspective Frontiers in Psychiatry November 20, 2019
- Disruption of hippocampal synaptic transmission and long‐term potentiation by psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid ‘Spice’ compounds: comparison with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol Addiction Biology January 5, 2016
and 9 more in the library
Cites 25
- Human Pharmacology of MDMA Therapeutic Drug Monitoring March 19, 2004
- Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 2011
- Here today, gone tomorrow…and back again? A review of herbal marijuana alternatives (K2, Spice), synthetic cathinones (bath salts), kratom, Salvia divinorum, methoxetamine, and piperazines. Journal of Medical Toxicology March 1, 2012
- The new drug phenomenon Drug Testing and Analysis July 1, 2014
- Plasma Pharmacokinetics of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine After Controlled Oral Administration to Young Adults Therapeutic Drug Monitoring May 21, 2008
and 20 more in the library