1,721,072 research outputs found
Official Report, UK: Analysis of the information available for the ecstasy-like compounds 2-CT2 and 2-CT7 on the web
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How deaths can help clinicians and policy-makers understand the risks of novel psychoactive substances
No full textNovel psychoactive substances (NPS), especially those newly created, are largely an unknown quantity, particularly in terms of their potential serious adverse effects. This means that policy-makers and clinicians are under-informed about appropriate responses. Collation of detailed information on deaths related to NPS use can help in providing knowledge and understanding these aspects of the NPS phenomenon. The purpose of this review is to outline the role(s) which such evidence-based data can play in this respect. UK NPS-related cases demonstrate differences in definitions used by the General Mortality Registers, and differences between countries, not only in terms of the type of NPS implicated in deaths, but the number and extent of such deaths over time. NPS deaths are continuing to increase numerically and as a proportion of all drug-poisoning deaths. In order to better understand how specific molecules contribute to and/or cause death, detailed information collected by Special Mortality Registers can provide examples of substances' modes of action, adverse effects, symptomatology, treatment interventions, mechanisms of death, etc. This information can provide clinicians and policy-makers with objective information on the serious harms from such emerging molecules. Such evidence-based advice informs public health interventions, service provision and policy decisions on regulation and control of NPS. However, without reliable, accurate and complete information that is correctly collated, scientifically analysed and disseminated in a timely manner, an understanding of the phenomenon of what deaths can be ascribed to NPS, their characteristics and nature will remain unachieved, and thus limit what can be done to reduce them
Importance of cyberspace for the assessment of the drug abuse market: preliminary results from the Psychonaut 2002 Project
No full textβ-2 Agonists as Misusing Drugs? Assessment of both Clenbuterol- and Salbutamol-related European Medicines Agency Pharmacovigilance Database Reports
No full textA recent years’ increase in misusing levels of image- and performance- enhancing drugs (IPEDs) has been observed. Out of these drugs, beta-2 agonists have recently emerged for their potential of misuse, especially for slimming and bodybuilding purposes. To this perspective, clenbuterol (‘the size zero pill’) has been reported as being both popular and widely available from the illegal market. All clenbuterol and salbutamol misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal/overdose/off-label spontaneous reports (2006–2016) from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) EudraVigilance (EV) database were collected and analysed by age range, gender, concomitant therapies and source of information. From the EV database, 55 of a total number of 920 ‘suspect’ misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal/overdose/off-label ADRs (e.g. 5.97%; corresponding to 25 of 138 individuals) and 1310 of 62,879 ADRs (e.g. 2.08%; corresponding to 474 of 6923 individuals) were, respectively, associated with clenbuterol (typically ingested in combination with a range of anabolic steroids) and salbutamol. Proportional reporting ratio (PRR) value for misuse/abuse ADRs was higher (PRR = 18.38) for clenbuterol in comparison with salbutamol. Clenbuterol misuse/abuse could be a cause for major concern, especially in vulnerable individuals. © 2018 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCP
Editorial: Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in custodial settings
No full textCustodial settings, such as prisons and psychiatric hospitals, are meant to be places of rehabilitation and security. Beside the abuse of illicit drugs, a growing concern about these institutions is the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescriber. The consequences of this serious public health problem range from an increase in treatment and emergency room admission, to raise in addiction and overdose deaths. The most abused drugs generally include opioid-based painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives and stimulants. The easier way to obtain them in comparison to illegal drugs and the possibility to avoid controls might explain the spreading of prescription drug misuse and abuse in particular settings. However, due to a number of ethical challenges, first of all the need for safeguarding the free participation of people, the research in the custodial setting is still limited. This Research Topic explores this issue examining four papers
Clinical efficacy of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in treatment of opiate withdrawal
No full textThis paper describes the role of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in the treatment of opiate withdrawal syndrome. In the two patients described, after having abruptly withdrawn from long-term methadone treatment, GHB was orally administered (each dose given every 46 h) for 8-9 days. The GHB showed both a high efficacy (some mild and transient symptoms attributable to opiate withdrawal were observed, but only in the first days of therapy) and a good tolerability (no clinical phenomena interpreted as GHB side effects were found). These results could be of interest in improving the pharmacological treatment of drug addiction
Effects of ketamine on psychomotor, sensory and cognitive functions relevant for driving ability
No full textKetamine is a dissociative anesthetic. The misuse of ketamine as a recreational drug has increased over the last decade, especially in rave parties or clubs. Short-term ketamine pilot protocols have been undertaken for treatment-resistant depressive clients. In this study, we review and comment on the evidence relating to the potential of ketamine as a causative/contributory factor in traffic accidents. To determine the causal role of ketamine in traffic accidents, a literature search on the psychomotor, cognitive, visual and perceptual functions related to safe driving was conducted. Furthermore, to interpret related data better, an overview of ketamine and its congeners' clinical pharmacology issues, recreational psychoactive effects, and identification in biological specimens is also provided
Editorial: Prescribing Psychotropics: Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, Withdrawal and Addiction
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