The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: A review of the preliminary evidences

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_54B07050BA61
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
The effects and risks associated to mephedrone and methylone in humans: A review of the preliminary evidences
Journal
Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s)
Karila Laurent, Billieux Joel, Benyamina Amine, Lançon Christophe, Cottencin Olivier
ISSN
0361-9230
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2016
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
126
Pages
61-67
Language
english
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.
Keywords
Mephedrone, Methylone, New psychoactive substances, Synthetic cathinones
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
10/01/2020 9:30
Last modification date
17/01/2020 11:25
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