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Synthetic cathinone abuse

Authors Capriola M

Received 16 January 2013

Accepted for publication 18 April 2013

Published 2 July 2013 Volume 2013:5(1) Pages 109—115

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/CPAA.S42832

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 4



Michael Capriola

Thomasville Medical Center, Thomasville, NC, USA

Abstract: The abuse of synthetic cathinones, widely known as bath salts, has been increasing since the mid-2000s. These substances are derivatives of the naturally occurring compound cathinone, which is the primary psychoactive component of khat. The toxicity of synthetic cathinones includes significant sympathomimetic effects, as well as psychosis, agitation, aggression, and sometimes violent and bizarre behavior. Mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone are currently the predominantly abused synthetic cathinones.

Keywords: designer drugs/chemistry, street drugs/pharmacology, substance-related disorders/epidemiology, alkaloids/poisoning

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