Profile, effects, and toxicity of novel psychoactive substances: A systematic review of quantitative studies
Sulaf Assi, Nargilya Gulyamova, Kinda Ibrahim, Paul Kneller, David Osselton
Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental May 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2607 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People who use novel psychoactive substances, mostly young adults and adults aged 16-64 years |
| Citations | 34 |
| Key findings | The review identified 43 novel psychoactive substance derivatives from 8 pharmacological classes, with cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids the most prevalent. Desired effects included empathy and increased sociability, while reported toxicity included cardiovascular, neurological, and psychoactive adverse reactions. The authors conclude that harmful effects can be severe or lethal and call for more research and professional awareness. |
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the profile, effects, and toxicity of novel psychoactive substances (NPS).
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted between May 2015 and February 2016 and included 19 databases. Search terms included "novel psychoactive substance(s)," "effect(s)," and "toxicity" and their synonyms. Studies included were those from any country, in any language, and between January 2007 and April 2015. Studies published before 2007 and those regarding the synthesis of NPS were excluded. Data were extracted by evaluating the titles, abstract, and full text, respectively. Consequently, the extraction yielded 20 studies.
Results: Forty-three NPS derivatives of 8 main pharmacological classes were identified. NPS were mostly used among young adults and adults within the age range of 16-64 years old. Cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids were the most prevalent among the aforementioned classes. The main desired effects of NPS use were empathy and increased ability to socialise. Reported toxicity associated with the use of NPS included cardiovascular, neurological, and psychoactive adverse reactions.
Conclusions: Despite the unique subjective effects associated with the use of NPS, harmful effects could be severe and/or lethal. Therefore, there is a need to develop research in the area of NPS and promote awareness among healthcare professionals.
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
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- The entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) as a treatment aid in psychotherapy and its safety concerns. Archives of Toxicology August 1, 2024
- A toxicologia das Novas Substâncias Psicoativas (NSP) September 28, 2022
- Acute Toxic Effects of the New Psychoactive Substance "Voodoo" among Patients presented to the Poison Control Center of Ain Shams University Hospitals (PCC-ASUH), Egypt, during 2017. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy September 20, 2021
- Neuronal and peripheral damages induced by synthetic psychoactive substances: an update of recent findings from human and animal studies. Neural Regeneration Research May 1, 2020
Cites 9
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- Phenomenon of new drugs on the Internet: the case of ketamine derivative methoxetamine Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental March 1, 2012
- From “Special K” to “Special M”: The Evolution of the Recreational Use of Ketamine and Methoxetamine CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics June 1, 2013
- Monitoring new psychoactive substances (NPS) in The Netherlands: data from the drug market and the Poisons Information Centre. Drug and Alcohol Dependence February 1, 2015
- Novel psychoactive substances: types, mechanisms of action, and effects BMJ January 25, 2017
and 4 more in the library