[Khat--a new drug of abuse in Norway].
BACKGROUND
The stimulating drug, Khat, is a drug of abuse that has become known in Norway due to increased immigration from East-Africa, especially Somalia.


METHODS
Review of recent literature.


RESULTS
Khat is present in leaves from the tree Catha Edulis and is taken by chewing the leaves. The biologically active compounds are cathinone, cathine and norephedrine. Analysis of cathinone in urine can be performed at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The effects of khat are similar to, but weaker than those of amphetamine. Khat stimulates the central nervous system causing increased alertness, euphoria and occasionally psychosis, and increases activity in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system leading to palpitations, increased blood pressure, large pupils and red eyes. Tannin in khat damages teeth and causes constipation. With increased use of khat in the society it is important for the clinician to have some knowledge of the effects of khat.
Al-Samarraie
Muhammad
M
Divisjon for rettstoksikologi og rusmiddelforskning Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt Postboks 4404 Nydalen 0403 Oslo. muas@fhi.no.
Khiabani
Hassan Z
HZ
Opdal
Mimi Stokke
MS
D029754:Catha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants