Clinical Experience of Novel Psychoactive Substances Dr Richard Stevenson

Background Legal Highs -> Novel Psychoactive Substances 41 new substances in 2010 alone Diverse collection of compounds Piperazines Cathinones Synthetic cannabinoids Isolated compounds Recreational problem identified in 2008/2009 Varying legal status

GRI Emergency Dept Experience 12 AMT 22 synthetic cannabinoids 3 cathinone 2 methoxetamine 1 salvia 9 life threatening toxicities

Why are people taking them? Legal status Perception of safety Difficult to detect Point of care urine testing Odourless Availability Internet “Head shops” Sold as other drugs

AMT 5-IT

Common Problems Lack of reliable data “Not what is says on the tin” Dosage Inter-individual variability Time of onset to effect Polysubstance misuse Interactions ?

Challenges in Clinical Care Acute Identification of xenobiotic Lack of toxicological data Mechanism of action Duration Clinical effects Appropriate treatment Chronic Long term psychological effects Long term physical effects

Cathinones Synthetic variations of natural cathinones in Khat Mephedrone, methedrone, naphyrone Ivory wave, meow-meow, bubbles, ocean snow, NRG Sympathetic Toxidrome ↑HR, RR, BP, temp Tremor, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures ***duration 24 – 48 hours*** Treatments Benzodiazepines +/- haloperidol

Piperazines Developed in 1950s – anti-helminthic agents BZP “Benzo Fury” Neurotransmitter release/reuptake inhibition Phenylpiperazines Direct serotonin receptor activation Reversal of serotonin uptake Clinically Sympathetic toxidrome Serotonin toxicity?

Synthetic Cannabinoids Annihilation, Black Mamba, Spice, K2 Structurally dissimilar to THC Herbal material sprayed with chemicals Clinical effects Nausea +++ Collapse Some psychotropic effects

Methoextamine Structurally similar to ketamine NMDA receptor agonist Clinically (dose related) Excitation, tachycardia, euphoria Hallucinations Dissociation Prolonged neurological effects - ataxia Supportive management

AMT/5-IT AMT – Alphamethyltryptamine 5-IT – 5-aminopropylindole AMT researched as antidepressant in 1960’s Non-specific MAOI Hallucinations +++ Psychomotor agitation +++ Serotonin toxicity High risk of toxicity

Serotonin Toxicity Exposure to a serotonergic drug Clinical features Confusion Autonomic instability Hyperkinetic musculoskeletal system

Treatment of Serotonin Toxcity Morbidity & Mortality related to hyperthermia Temp ≥40 o C Duration Consequences Rhabdomyolysis Acute kidney injury Acidosis Cerebral damage

Treatment of Serotonin Toxicity Aggressive cooling Antipyretics do not work! Control muscular activity High dose benzodiazepines Haloperidol for severe non-responders Appropriate fluid control BP control agents Anaesthesia with muscle paralysis

The Future? Market flooded with NPS Difficult to legislate/control Long term effects?