The Experts below are selected from a list of 78 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Olivier Cottencin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon
    Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2017
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Lisa Blecha, Amine Benyamina, Olivier Cottencin, Joel Billieux
    Abstract:

    « Spice » is generally used to describe the diverse types of herbal blends that encompass synthetic cannabinoids on the market. The emergence of smokable herbal products containing synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis, appears to become increasingly popular, in the new psychoactive substances landscape. In 2014, the existence of 134 different types of synthetic cannabinoids were reported by the European Union Early Warning System. These drugs are mainly sold online as an alternative to controlled and regulated psychoactive substances. They appear to have a life cycle of about 1-2 years before being replaced by a next wave of products. Legislation controlling these designer drugs has been introduced in many countries with the objective to limit the spread of existing drugs and control potential new analogs. The majority of the synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists at the CB1 receptor and do not contain tobacco or cannabis. They are becoming increasingly popular in adolescents, students and clubbers as an abused substance. Relatively high incidence of adverse effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids use has been documented in the literature. Numerous fatalities linked with their use and abuse have been reported. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of synthetic cannabinoids in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were: “synthetic cannabinoids”, “spice”, “new psychoactive substances”, and/or “substance use disorder”, and/or “adverse effects”, and/or “fatalities”. The search was limited to years 2005 to 2016 due to emerging scientific literature at this period Health professionals should take into account that limited scientific evidence is available regarding the effect of synthetic cannabinoids use in humans. It thus urges to launch more systematic epidemiological studies, to develop and validate screening procedures, and to investigate the neurobiological and psychological correlates and risk factors associated to synthetic cannabinoids use and misuse.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: ă A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain Research Bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug ă scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted ă cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most ă common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and ă methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone ă derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological ă risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing ă use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. ă In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and ă effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight ă their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature ă search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google ă Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational ă organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and ă chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the ă database search were ``mephedrone'', ``methylone'', ``new ă psychoactive substances'', ``synthetic cathinones'', ``substituted ă cathinones'', ``substance abuse'', ``substance use disorder'', ă ``adverse effects'', ``fatalities''. The literature search was ă limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 ă potentially relevant articles. ă To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to ă estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to ă the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The ă potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date ă unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic ă potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic ă cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with ă psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care. (C) 2016 ă Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain research bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Joel Billieux, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were "mephedrone", "methylone", "new psychoactive substances", "synthetic cathinones", "substituted cathinones", "substance abuse", "substance use disorder", "adverse effects", "fatalities". The literature search was limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 potentially relevant articles. To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care.

  • Synthetic Cathinones: A New Public Health Problem
    Current neuropharmacology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Olivier Cottencin, Bruno Mégarbane, Michel Lejoyeux
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances (NPS) have completely modified the drug scene and the current landscape of addiction. Synthetic substances, such as substituted or synthetic cathinones, also known as « legal highs », are often produced and used to mimic the effects of controlled drugs such as cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), and methamphetamine. The overwhelming majority of synthetic cathinones are produced in China and South East Asian countries. The Internet has emerged as the new marketplace for NPS, playing a major role in providing information on acquisition, synthesis, extraction, identification, and substance use. All these compounds are intentionally mislabeled and sold on-line under slang terms such as bath salts, plant food, plant feeders and research chemicals. They are sometimes labeled « not for human use » or « not tested for hazards or toxicity ». The rapid spread of NPS forces member countries of the European Union to adapt their response to the potential new dangers that may cause. To date, not only health actors but also the general public need to be clearly informed and aware of dangers resulting from NPS spread and use. Here, we review the major clinical effects of synthetic cathinones to highlight their impact on public health. A literature search was conducted from 2009 to 2014 based on PubMed, Google Scholar, Erowid, and governmental websites, using the following keywords alone or in combination: "new psychoactive substances", "synthetic cathinones", "substituted cathinones", "mephedrone", "methylone", "MDPV", "4-MEC", "addiction", and "substance use disorder".

Laurent Karila - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon
    Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2017
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Lisa Blecha, Amine Benyamina, Olivier Cottencin, Joel Billieux
    Abstract:

    « Spice » is generally used to describe the diverse types of herbal blends that encompass synthetic cannabinoids on the market. The emergence of smokable herbal products containing synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis, appears to become increasingly popular, in the new psychoactive substances landscape. In 2014, the existence of 134 different types of synthetic cannabinoids were reported by the European Union Early Warning System. These drugs are mainly sold online as an alternative to controlled and regulated psychoactive substances. They appear to have a life cycle of about 1-2 years before being replaced by a next wave of products. Legislation controlling these designer drugs has been introduced in many countries with the objective to limit the spread of existing drugs and control potential new analogs. The majority of the synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists at the CB1 receptor and do not contain tobacco or cannabis. They are becoming increasingly popular in adolescents, students and clubbers as an abused substance. Relatively high incidence of adverse effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids use has been documented in the literature. Numerous fatalities linked with their use and abuse have been reported. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of synthetic cannabinoids in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were: “synthetic cannabinoids”, “spice”, “new psychoactive substances”, and/or “substance use disorder”, and/or “adverse effects”, and/or “fatalities”. The search was limited to years 2005 to 2016 due to emerging scientific literature at this period Health professionals should take into account that limited scientific evidence is available regarding the effect of synthetic cannabinoids use in humans. It thus urges to launch more systematic epidemiological studies, to develop and validate screening procedures, and to investigate the neurobiological and psychological correlates and risk factors associated to synthetic cannabinoids use and misuse.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: ă A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain Research Bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug ă scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted ă cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most ă common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and ă methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone ă derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological ă risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing ă use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. ă In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and ă effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight ă their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature ă search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google ă Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational ă organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and ă chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the ă database search were ``mephedrone'', ``methylone'', ``new ă psychoactive substances'', ``synthetic cathinones'', ``substituted ă cathinones'', ``substance abuse'', ``substance use disorder'', ă ``adverse effects'', ``fatalities''. The literature search was ă limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 ă potentially relevant articles. ă To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to ă estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to ă the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The ă potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date ă unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic ă potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic ă cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with ă psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care. (C) 2016 ă Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain research bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Joel Billieux, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were "mephedrone", "methylone", "new psychoactive substances", "synthetic cathinones", "substituted cathinones", "substance abuse", "substance use disorder", "adverse effects", "fatalities". The literature search was limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 potentially relevant articles. To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care.

  • Synthetic Cathinones: A New Public Health Problem
    Current neuropharmacology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Olivier Cottencin, Bruno Mégarbane, Michel Lejoyeux
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances (NPS) have completely modified the drug scene and the current landscape of addiction. Synthetic substances, such as substituted or synthetic cathinones, also known as « legal highs », are often produced and used to mimic the effects of controlled drugs such as cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), and methamphetamine. The overwhelming majority of synthetic cathinones are produced in China and South East Asian countries. The Internet has emerged as the new marketplace for NPS, playing a major role in providing information on acquisition, synthesis, extraction, identification, and substance use. All these compounds are intentionally mislabeled and sold on-line under slang terms such as bath salts, plant food, plant feeders and research chemicals. They are sometimes labeled « not for human use » or « not tested for hazards or toxicity ». The rapid spread of NPS forces member countries of the European Union to adapt their response to the potential new dangers that may cause. To date, not only health actors but also the general public need to be clearly informed and aware of dangers resulting from NPS spread and use. Here, we review the major clinical effects of synthetic cathinones to highlight their impact on public health. A literature search was conducted from 2009 to 2014 based on PubMed, Google Scholar, Erowid, and governmental websites, using the following keywords alone or in combination: "new psychoactive substances", "synthetic cathinones", "substituted cathinones", "mephedrone", "methylone", "MDPV", "4-MEC", "addiction", and "substance use disorder".

Joel Billieux - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon
    Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2017
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Lisa Blecha, Amine Benyamina, Olivier Cottencin, Joel Billieux
    Abstract:

    « Spice » is generally used to describe the diverse types of herbal blends that encompass synthetic cannabinoids on the market. The emergence of smokable herbal products containing synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis, appears to become increasingly popular, in the new psychoactive substances landscape. In 2014, the existence of 134 different types of synthetic cannabinoids were reported by the European Union Early Warning System. These drugs are mainly sold online as an alternative to controlled and regulated psychoactive substances. They appear to have a life cycle of about 1-2 years before being replaced by a next wave of products. Legislation controlling these designer drugs has been introduced in many countries with the objective to limit the spread of existing drugs and control potential new analogs. The majority of the synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists at the CB1 receptor and do not contain tobacco or cannabis. They are becoming increasingly popular in adolescents, students and clubbers as an abused substance. Relatively high incidence of adverse effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids use has been documented in the literature. Numerous fatalities linked with their use and abuse have been reported. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of synthetic cannabinoids in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were: “synthetic cannabinoids”, “spice”, “new psychoactive substances”, and/or “substance use disorder”, and/or “adverse effects”, and/or “fatalities”. The search was limited to years 2005 to 2016 due to emerging scientific literature at this period Health professionals should take into account that limited scientific evidence is available regarding the effect of synthetic cannabinoids use in humans. It thus urges to launch more systematic epidemiological studies, to develop and validate screening procedures, and to investigate the neurobiological and psychological correlates and risk factors associated to synthetic cannabinoids use and misuse.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain research bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Joel Billieux, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were "mephedrone", "methylone", "new psychoactive substances", "synthetic cathinones", "substituted cathinones", "substance abuse", "substance use disorder", "adverse effects", "fatalities". The literature search was limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 potentially relevant articles. To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care.

Amine Benyamina - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the synthetic cannabinoids phenomenon
    Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2017
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Lisa Blecha, Amine Benyamina, Olivier Cottencin, Joel Billieux
    Abstract:

    « Spice » is generally used to describe the diverse types of herbal blends that encompass synthetic cannabinoids on the market. The emergence of smokable herbal products containing synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis, appears to become increasingly popular, in the new psychoactive substances landscape. In 2014, the existence of 134 different types of synthetic cannabinoids were reported by the European Union Early Warning System. These drugs are mainly sold online as an alternative to controlled and regulated psychoactive substances. They appear to have a life cycle of about 1-2 years before being replaced by a next wave of products. Legislation controlling these designer drugs has been introduced in many countries with the objective to limit the spread of existing drugs and control potential new analogs. The majority of the synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists at the CB1 receptor and do not contain tobacco or cannabis. They are becoming increasingly popular in adolescents, students and clubbers as an abused substance. Relatively high incidence of adverse effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids use has been documented in the literature. Numerous fatalities linked with their use and abuse have been reported. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of synthetic cannabinoids in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were: “synthetic cannabinoids”, “spice”, “new psychoactive substances”, and/or “substance use disorder”, and/or “adverse effects”, and/or “fatalities”. The search was limited to years 2005 to 2016 due to emerging scientific literature at this period Health professionals should take into account that limited scientific evidence is available regarding the effect of synthetic cannabinoids use in humans. It thus urges to launch more systematic epidemiological studies, to develop and validate screening procedures, and to investigate the neurobiological and psychological correlates and risk factors associated to synthetic cannabinoids use and misuse.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: ă A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain Research Bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug ă scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted ă cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most ă common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and ă methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone ă derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological ă risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing ă use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. ă In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and ă effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight ă their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature ă search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google ă Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational ă organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and ă chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the ă database search were ``mephedrone'', ``methylone'', ``new ă psychoactive substances'', ``synthetic cathinones'', ``substituted ă cathinones'', ``substance abuse'', ``substance use disorder'', ă ``adverse effects'', ``fatalities''. The literature search was ă limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 ă potentially relevant articles. ă To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to ă estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to ă the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The ă potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date ă unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic ă potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic ă cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with ă psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care. (C) 2016 ă Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  • The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: A review of the preliminary evidences
    Brain research bulletin, 2016
    Co-Authors: Laurent Karila, Amine Benyamina, Christophe Lançon, Joel Billieux, Olivier Cottencin
    Abstract:

    New psychoactive substances have drastically modified the world drug scene. An increasingly popular class comprises synthetic or substituted cathinones (legal highs, research chemicals, bath salts). Among the most common psychoactive constituents of bath salts are mephedrone and methylone. Recent reports on the abuse of novel synthetic cathinone derivatives call attention to the serious physical and psychological risks resulting from their consumption, thereby emphasizing the growing use of these drugs might constitute an important public health issue. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding the use and effects of mephedrone and methylone in humans in order to highlight their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental websites. The terms used for the database search were "mephedrone", "methylone", "new psychoactive substances", "synthetic cathinones", "substituted cathinones", "substance abuse", "substance use disorder", "adverse effects", "fatalities". The literature search was limited to years 2005-2015 and led to the identification of 71 potentially relevant articles. To date, the actual prevalence rates of their use remains difficult to estimate. Important health-related issues have emerged in relation to the somatic, psychiatric, and addictive consequences of their use. The potential chronic health effects of their prolonged use remain to date unknown (e.g., reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic potential). Treatment for patients with prolonged exposure to synthetic cathinones should ideally include a drug management plan coupled with psychotherapy taking place in a structured program of care.

Tomas Palenicek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Synthetic Aminoindanes: A Summary of Existing Knowledge.
    Frontiers in psychiatry, 2017
    Co-Authors: Nikola Pinterova, Rachel R. Horsley, Tomas Palenicek
    Abstract:

    Aminoindanes ("bath salts," a class of novel psychoactive substances, NPSs) increased rapidly in popularity on the recreational drug market, particularly after mephedrone and other synthetic cathinones were banned in the UK in 2010. Novel aminoindanes continue to emerge, but relatively little is known about their effects and risks. Their history, chemistry, pharmacology, behavioral effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity are reviewed in this paper. Scientific literature was searched on ISI Web of Knowledge: Web of Science (WoS) during June and July 2017, using English language terms: aminoindanes such as 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI), 5-iodo-2-aminoindane (5-IAI), 2-aminoindane (2-AI), 5,6-methylenedioxy-N-methyl-2-aminoindane (MDMAI), and 5-methoxy-6-methyl-2-aminoindane (MMAI). WoS was selected as it searches several databases simultaneously and has quality criteria for inclusion. For typical use and effects, Erowid, PsychonautWiki, Bluelight, and Drugs-Forum were searched; for legal status and epidemiology, the European Information System and Database on New Drugs (EDND) was used. Aminoindanes were first synthesized for medical use, e.g., as anti-Parkinsonian drugs and later as a potential compound facilitating psychotherapy; however, they are now widely substituted for ecstasy. Their mechanisms of action (primarily via serotonin) mean that they may pose a significant risk of serotonin syndrome at high doses or when combined with other drugs. Fatally toxic effects have been observed both in the laboratory in animal studies and in clinic, where deaths related with aminoindanes have been reported. Greater knowledge about aminoindanes is urgently required to decrease risks of fatal intoxication, and appropriate legislation is needed to protect public health without impeding research.

  • Synthetic Aminoindanes: A Summary of Existing Knowledge
    Frontiers Media S.A., 2017
    Co-Authors: Nikola Pinterova, Rachel R. Horsley, Tomas Palenicek
    Abstract:

    ObjectivesAminoindanes (“bath salts,” a class of novel psychoactive substances, NPSs) increased rapidly in popularity on the recreational drug market, particularly after mephedrone and other synthetic cathinones were banned in the UK in 2010. Novel aminoindanes continue to emerge, but relatively little is known about their effects and risks. Their history, chemistry, pharmacology, behavioral effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity are reviewed in this paper.MethodsScientific literature was searched on ISI Web of Knowledge: Web of Science (WoS) during June and July 2017, using English language terms: aminoindanes such as 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane (MDAI), 5-iodo-2-aminoindane (5-IAI), 2-aminoindane (2-AI), 5,6-methylenedioxy-N-methyl-2-aminoindane (MDMAI), and 5-methoxy-6-methyl-2-aminoindane (MMAI). WoS was selected as it searches several databases simultaneously and has quality criteria for inclusion. For typical use and effects, Erowid, PsychonautWiki, Bluelight, and Drugs-Forum were searched; for legal status and epidemiology, the European Information System and Database on New Drugs (EDND) was used.ResultsAminoindanes were first synthesized for medical use, e.g., as anti-Parkinsonian drugs and later as a potential compound facilitating psychotherapy; however, they are now widely substituted for ecstasy. Their mechanisms of action (primarily via serotonin) mean that they may pose a significant risk of serotonin syndrome at high doses or when combined with other drugs. Fatally toxic effects have been observed both in the laboratory in animal studies and in clinic, where deaths related with aminoindanes have been reported.ConclusionGreater knowledge about aminoindanes is urgently required to decrease risks of fatal intoxication, and appropriate legislation is needed to protect public health without impeding research