Neuronal and peripheral damages induced by synthetic psychoactive substances: an update of recent findings from human and animal studies.

Synthetic psychoactive substances, including amphetamine derivatives, hallucinogens, dissociatives, and synthetic cannabinoids, can cause toxic effects in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Preclinical and clinical studies show that these substances, besides their abuse potential, elicit varying degrees of harm. Recreational use is increasing among young and adult people, posing a serious health risk. This review summarizes recent findings on toxicity from both older and newer synthetic drugs in humans and experimental animals.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that synthetic psychoactive substances, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit toxic effects of varying severity at the peripheral and central levels. Nowadays, toxicity induced by synthetic psychoactive substances poses a serious harm for health, since recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young and adult people. The present review summarizes recent findings on the peripheral and central toxicity elicited by "old" and "new" synthetic psychoactive substances in humans and experimental animals, focusing on amphetamine derivatives, hallucinogen and dissociative drugs and synthetic cannabinoids.