title: [Cannabinoid and cathinone designer drugs - the workings and selected methods of analysis].
abstract: Recently, there has been an increase in the consumption of designer drugs, substances aimed at producing psychoactive, energizing, euphoric or anesthetic effects. Designer drugs are substitutes of actual narcotics, whose possession is banned under Polish law according to the Act of 29 July 2005. The latest reports suggest that the number of synthetic psychoactive substances is increasing. In the span of 2012, a total of 28 new synthetic cannabinoids were discovered in member states of the European Union. Synthetic psychoactive substances appear in different forms on the market: tablets (often very colourful and interestingly-shaped), seeds, dried product (sprayed with synthetic substance and redried), crystals or powder. The way of application is greatly diverse, and depends on the form in which a drug is produced and dispensed. The methods of intoxication include smoke inhalation (oftentimes blends are smoked), intranasal or oral application, placing crystals on the eye, or injection. Said methods correspond, with varying degrees, to invoking different psychotic effects, such as agitation, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, overall irritation, and aggression. Various cardiovascular effects, such as tachycardia or increase in blood pressure, may follow as well. However, the primary influence is on the nervous system, inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, noradrenalin and dopamine, and leading to their increased concentration at the presynaptic cleft, which in turn causes feelings of agitation and pleasure. The knowledge regarding the strength, toxicity, and metabolism of designer drugs is yet sparse. The same pertains to the knowledge regarding the handling of overdose cases.
authors.affiliation: Silesian Medical University, Faculty of Public Heath in Bytom, Department of Human in Zabrze, Poland; ToxLab LLC Toxicology Laboratory in Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Jadwiga
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nędza
authors.affiliation: Silesian Medical University, Faculty of Public Heath in Bytom, Department of Human in Zabrze, Poland.
authors.forename: Renata
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Polaniak
authors.affiliation: Silesian Medical University, Faculty of Public Heath in Bytom, Department of Human in Zabrze, Poland.
authors.forename: Rafał J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bułdak
authors.affiliation: ToxLab LLC Toxicology Laboratory in Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Majchrzak
authors.affiliation: ToxLab LLC Toxicology Laboratory in Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Margasiń-Ska
authors.affiliation: University of Silesia, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Organic Synthesis in Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rojkiewicz
authors.affiliation: ToxLab LLC Toxicology Laboratory in Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Rafał
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Celiński
authors.affiliation: Silesian Medical University, Faculty of Public Heath in Bytom, Department of Human in Zabrze, Poland.
authors.forename: Elżbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grochowska-Niedworok
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011044:Poland; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D002186:Cannabinoids; D015198:Designer Drugs; C023665:cathinone
keywords: UR-144; XLR-11; designer drugs; kannabinoids; katynons