25I-NBOMe: The legal LSD
I. Ezquiaga, M. Grifell, Liliana Galindo, L. Martínez, Á. Palma, P. Quintana, Mireia Ventura, E. Ribera, L. Pujol, I. Fornís, Marta Torrens, M. Farré
European Psychiatry March 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 56 |
| Population | Drug samples submitted to Energy Control in Spain from 2009 to 2015 |
| Topics | LSD |
| Key findings | 25I-NBOMe was found in 56 samples, most commonly misrepresented as LSD (42.8%), and all samples appeared after 2012 with a peak in 2013. |
Abstract
IntroductionNovel psychoactive substances (NPS) use is progressively increasing year on year. A new group of phenethylamines sold as legal stimulants and hallucinogens is being reported increasingly since 2012. Within this group, 25I-NBOMe is an outstanding substance with powerful effects and high affinity with the serotonin 2a (5HT2a) receptor. Several toxicity cases have been reported so far.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of 25I-NBOMe and its characteristics in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2009 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsAmong the samples, 21,198 analyzed from august 2009 to august 2015 and only those samples containing 25I-NBOMe were studied (n = 56). Samples were analyzed by Energy Control, a Spanish harm-reduction NGO that offers users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. Analysis was done by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry.ResultsFrom 56 samples were 25I-NBOMe was found, 24 were bought as LSD (42.8%), 12 as 25I-NBOMe (21.4%), 4 as 25C-NBOMe (7.1%), 4 as 25I-NBOH (7.1%) and 12 as other substances (21.4%), gummy bears included. All samples were received from 2012 on, having the highest peak on 2013 (19 samples).Conclusions25I-NBOMe consumption represents an emerging issue with potential harmful effects, especially when the substance used is not the expected. Further pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, clinical and epidemiological researches should be conducted to deepen knowledge about 25I-NBOMe and the management of its possible toxic effects. Physicians should be aware of NPS, their increasing use and the clinical differences between them.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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