[Beta-cathinone derivatives--a new generation of dangerous psychostimulant "designer drugs"].
Synthetic beta-cathinone derivatives belong to the novel group of psychostimulant "designer drugs". They show significant structural similarity to catecholamines and exogenous central nervous system (CNS) stimulating agents such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), and act as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Popular synthetic beta-cathinones include e.g. mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC), naphyrone (naphthylpyrovalerone) and MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone). Ingestion of synthetic cathinones produces effects of CNS stimulation, often comparable to those evoked by cocaine, amphetamine and MDMA. Chronic abuse of beta-cathinone derivatives leads to the development of tolerance, psychic and physical dependence. This paper discusses pharmacological properties of the most commonly used beta-cathinone derivatives as well as risks associated with their abuse. Special emphasis is given to neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular and hematologic disturbances. Authors also present cases of fatalities caused by acute beta-cathinone intoxication or resulting from the drug-related accidents and crimes.
Zakład Farmakodynamiki, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi. jolanta.zawilska@umed.lodz.pl
Jolanta B
JB
Zawilska
Krzysztof
K
Słomiak
Mateusz
M
Wasiak
Patrycja
P
Woźniak
Michał
M
Massalski
Emilia
E
Krupa
Jakub Ł
JŁ
Wojcieszak
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000506:poisoning*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000506:poisoning*; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000506:poisoning*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality
D000470:Alkaloids; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D015198:Designer Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; C023665:cathinone