Is methylphenidate a prescription drug being sold in the illegal market? Analysis of samples submitted to a drug checking facility

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S313-S313
Author(s):  
P. Quintana-Mathé ◽  
M. Grifell-Guàrdia ◽  
Á. Palma ◽  
I. Fornís-Espinosa ◽  
C. Gil-Lladanosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Recreational Use

IntroductionMethylphenidate is a CNS stimulant approved for treatment of ADHD. It is generally considered well tolerated and exhibiting low dependence potential, although diversion for recreational use has been described. Provided that its effects are comparable to those of more popular drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and amphetamines, we hypothesized that it could be sold as such.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was:– to describe the presence of methylphenidate from the samples handled to, and analyzed by, Spanish harm-reduction service energy control between August 2009 and August 2015;– to determine whether it is being sold as other drugs.Materials and methodsAll samples presented to energy control (EC) were analyzed. EC is a Spanish harm-reduction non-governmental organization that offers to users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume.Samples in which methylphenidate was detected using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry were selected for this study.ResultsFrom a total of 20062 samples, 17 contained methylphenidate (0,09%), with no clear variations among the years studied. The samples were mostly sold as amphetamine (29%), methylphenidate (23%) and ethylphenidate (18%).ConclusionPresence of Methylphenidate in the Spanish illegal drug market seems anecdotic and stable over the studied timeframe. Moreover, it was sold as substances with similar dosages, lowering potential for life-threatening intoxications. Therefore, our results suggest that diversion of methylphenidate into the drug market as adulterant is not a concerning phenomenon.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Presence of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine (DOB) among samples brought for drug checking in Spain

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S171-S171
Author(s):  
P. Quintana-Mathé ◽  
M. Grifell-Guardia ◽  
Á. Palma-Conesa ◽  
C. Gil-Lladanosa ◽  
I. Fornís-Espinosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
World Wide ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Agonist Activity ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNew Psychoactive Substances (NPS) appear to be increasing in popularity because they mimic the effect of traditional drugs. DOB is a world-wide controlled phenethylamine, with agonist activity in 5HT2A receptors. Its effects are comparable to those of LSD, with dosage range 1.0–3.0 mg and duration 18–30 h.ObjectiveTo assess the presence of DOB in the substances submitted to, and analyzed by, energy control.Materials and methodsAll samples presented to Energy Control (EC) from August 2009 to August 2015 were analyzed. EC is a spanish harm-reduction non governmental organization that offers to users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. Samples in which DOB was detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were selected for this study.ResultsFrom a total of 20,062 samples, 13 contained DOB (0,06%), with no clear variations among the years studied. The samples were mostly sold as DOC(8), DOB(2) and LSD(2). Nine out of total 13 samples presented as blotter.ConclusionResults suggest that availability of DOB in the Spanish drug market is anecdotic. Nonetheless, a number of the samples containing DOB were not sold as such, increasing the possibility of side effects, as users may ignore which substance they are actually using. When a patient presents at an Emergency Department with persistent hallucinogenic symptomatology after ingesting a blotter, psychiatrist should be aware of long-lasting psychedelics such as DOB.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Ethylone: A synthetic cathinone emerging in Barcelona

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s860-s860
Author(s):  
M. de Dios ◽  
E. Monteagudo ◽  
A. Trabsa ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Bath Salts ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Report Analysis ◽  
Synthetic Cathinone ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionSynthetic cathinones, the active component in “bath salts”, have surfaced as a popular alternative to other illicit drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and methamphetamine, due to their potent psychostimulant and empathogenic effects.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of Ethylone in samples delivered to energy control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsThe total number of samples analyzed from 2014 to 2015 was 8324. Only those samples containing ethylone were studied. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analysing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom June 2014 to December 2015, 8324 samples were delivered to EC. From this samples 28 (0.336%) contained ethylone. Twelve (0.144%) were delivered as MDMA, representing a 0.783% of the samples delivered as such, and only one sample (0.012%) delivered as MDMA presented ethylene as an adulterant along with MDMA. Other 6 samples (0.072%) were delivered as ethylone and 10 samples (0.120%) were delivered as unknown pills.DiscussionEthylone consumption is found to be an emerging issue according to the results of our samples, an increase of such is found during 2015. This might be traduced as an increase of ethylone in the drug market, but a sample selection bias should be considered as samples were voluntary delivered by consumers. An alarming phenomenon is that in some occasions ethylone is sold as MDMA, but effects take longer to occur and last longer, which may lead to an overdose if used as MDMA.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

“Flakka”: an Emerging Trend Or a Mass Media Phenomenon? Presence of alpha-pvp in Samples Submitted To a Drug Checking Facility

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S442-S442 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Grifell ◽  
P. Quintana ◽  
M. Torrens ◽  
a. Palma ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trend Analysis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Controlled Drugs ◽  
Noradrenaline Reuptake ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are drugs that have recently become available, are not worldwide regulated, and often intend to mimic the effect of controlled drugs. α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone ( alpha-PVP) is a potent stimulant cathinone that is thought to act inhibiting dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. It has been associated with hallucinations, psychosis and death.ObjectivesTo explore the presence of alpha-PVP from the samples handled to, and analyzed by energy control.To determine whether it is a new trend in recreational settings.Methodsall samples presented to energy control were analyzed.Samples in which alpha-PVP was detected using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry were selected for study.a Google trend analysis was also performed to asses the media impact of alpha-PVP.ResultsFrom a total of 20,062 samples, 33 contained alpha-PVP (0.16%). The samples containing alpha-PVP were mostly sold as such (40%) despite a significant proportion being sold as MDM a (15%). Google trend analysis showed an abrupt increase of alpha-PVP searches in 2015 reaching 50% of the MDM a-ones.ConclusionOur results suggest presence of alpha-PVP in the drug market may be increasing, especially as adulterant of other drugs. Severe side effects might be even more serious considering that a significant proportion of users may ignore which substance they are actually using. However, the total amount of alpha-PVP analyzed remains small, and does not support the alarming reports published in media.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Presence and evolution of a new psychoactive tryptamines branch

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S117-S118
Author(s):  
Á. Palma Conesa ◽  
L. Galindo Guarin ◽  
M. Grifell Guardia ◽  
P. Quintana Mathe ◽  
C. Gil Lladanosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Recreational Use

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that have recently appeared on the market and are not under international control. NPS use is experiencing an unprecedented increase. DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT are new psychoactive tryptamines and their effects may differ from those of other psychoactive tryptamines.ObjectiveTo explore the presence of DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT from samples delivered to and analyzed by Spanish harm reduction service Energy Control.Materials and methodsAll samples analyzed from 2009 to 2014 delivered as DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DPT or containing these substances. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 17,432 samples, 4-HO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-HO-DiPT (6); 4-AcO-DiPT (7); DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). 4-AcO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-AcO-DiPT (12); 5-MeO-DMT (1); 5-MeO-DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). Only 4 samples contained DiPT, all presented as DiPT. Nine samples contained both 4-AcO-DiPT and 4-HO-DiPT. During the years of study, 4-HO-DiPT deliverance was increasing (4 samples in 2014) while deliverance of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT was decreasing (1 sample in 2014).ConclusionsIncreasing 4-HO-DiPT presence could translate a progressive replacement of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT recreational use. Clinical relevance comes from its growing use and the absence of scientific evidence on humans, therefore relying on users subjective experience to predict the effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interest.

The cat and the mouse game: Is there a shift towards more dangerous substances in the cathinone illicit market?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s863-s863
Author(s):  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
M. Ventura ◽  
E. Ribera ◽  
P. Quintana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Central Nervous System Toxicity ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
New Family ◽  
Illicit Market ◽  
Toxicity Potential ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
System Toxicity

IntroductionAfter mephedrone's ban in March 2010 new cathinones proliferated widely, even a new branch of atypical derivatives was launched into the market, represented by MDPV. The cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity draws attention to this new family of cathinones, also known as pyrovalerones. MDPV was scheduled in 2011, leading to the apparition of Alpha-PVP from which there is little information.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study is to describe the evolution of different cathinones in the samples delivered for analysis to the harm reduction NGO energy control from March 2009 to March 2016 in Spain.MethodsEnergy control is a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers to drug users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. From March 2009 to March 2016 a total of 24,528 samples were analyzed by the NGO from which 760 contained cathinones. Substance analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2016, cathinones represented a 2.82% from all analyzed samples. From March 2009 to March 2010, only 5 different cathinones were detected, in this same period methylone (n = 16; 37.20%) and mephedrone (n = 17; 39.53%) represented 76% of analyzed cathinones (n = 43). From March 2015 to March 2016, 132 cathinones were detected: methylone and mephedrone represented only 19.69%, giving prominence to clephedrone (n = 25; 18.93%) and Alpha-PVP (n = 24; 18.18%).ConclusionsThe evolution of synthetic cathinones detected by energy control is consistent with the evolution described in the literature. From 2009 to 2016, the cathinones detected diversify and new substances with higher toxicity potential appear.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

New designer benzodiazepines use in Barcelona

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S874-S874
Author(s):  
S. Pérez González ◽  
M. De Dios Felis ◽  
E. Monteagudo Gimeno ◽  
D. Sanagustín Bosqued ◽  
A. Trabsa Biskri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Profile ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Designer Benzodiazepines

IntroductionNew designer benzodiazepines such as phenazepam, etizolam, diclazepam, clonazolam and flubromazolam have appeared in the recreational drug market due to that they provide an attractive alternative to prescription-only benzodiazepines as they are readily available over the Internet.ObjectiveTo describe the presence of new designer benzodiazepines in samples delivered to energy control since 2010 to 2016 in Barcelona.MethodsFrom 2010 to 2016, 24,551 samples were delivered to energy control. Among this samples 43 (0.175%) were analysed as benzodiazepines. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analyzing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom the 43 samples analyzed as benzodiazepines, 1 (2.32%) was delivered in 2010, none in 2011, 2 (4.65%) in 2012, 2 (4.65%) in 2013, 1 (2.32%) in 2014, 15 (34.88%) in 2015 and 21 (48.83%) in 2016.DiscussionThe data shows that new designer benzodiazepines use is increasing in Barcelona, especially in the last two years. Abuse an addiction to these drugs may be a new public health problem in Barcelona. Unknown side effects may appear due to lack of information about pharmacokinetic profile of these drugs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The potential impacts of community drug checking within the overdose crisis: qualitative study exploring the perspective of prospective service users

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Wallace ◽  
Thea van Roode ◽  
Flora Pagan ◽  
Dennis Hore ◽  
Bernadette Pauly
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Socioecological Model ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Universal Approach ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background As drug checking becomes more integrated within public health responses to the overdose crisis, and potentially more institutionalized, there is value in critically questioning the impacts of drug checking as a harm reduction response. Methods As part of a pilot project to implement community drug checking in Victoria, BC, Canada, in-depth interviews (N = 27) were held with people who use or have used substances, family or friends of people who use substances, and/or people who make or distribute substances. Critical harm reduction and social justice perspectives and a socioecological model guided our analysis to understand the potential role of drug checking within the overdose crisis, from the perspective of prospective service users. Results Participants provided insight into who might benefit from community drug checking and potential benefits. They indicated drug checking addresses a “shared need” that could benefit people who use substances, people who care for people who use substances, and people who sell substances. Using a socioecological model, we identified four overarching themes corresponding to benefits at each level: “drug checking to improve health and wellbeing of people who use substances”, “drug checking to increase quality control in an unregulated market”, “drug checking to create healthier environments”, and “drug checking to mediate policies around substance use”. Conclusions Drug checking requires a universal approach to meet the needs of diverse populations who use substances, and must not be focused on abstinence based outcomes. As a harm reduction response, community drug checking has potential impacts beyond the individual level. These include increasing power and accountability within the illicit drug market, improving the health of communities, supporting safer supply initiatives and regulation of substances, and mitigating harms of criminalization. Evaluation of drug checking should consider potential impacts that extend beyond individual behaviour change and recognize lived realities and structural conditions.

The synthetic cannabinoids: JWH, four years of analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S115-S116 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Galindo ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
P. Quintana ◽  
A. Palma ◽  
J. Tirado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Legal Highs ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Herbal Mixtures

IntroductionSince 2004, herbal mixtures for smoking use have been sold under the generic brand “Spice”. Many of them contain synthetic cannabinoids (agonists of the cannabinoid receptors). JWH-018 was one of the first spice drugs. There is no scientific evidence of their effects on humans, except cases of intoxications and users opinions.ObjectiveThe present study describes the presence of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH's and their characteristics in the samples delivered for analysis to the harm reduction NGO Energy Control from 2010 to 2014 in Spain.MethodsFrom 15,814 samples analyzed from 2010 to 2014, those containing synthetic cannabinoids JWH's were studied (n = 47). Analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom these 47 samples containing JWH, 55% were delivered as “legal highs” (n = 21) and 44% as JWH. Most common presentations were powder 47% and herbals 32%. Samples containing JWH 45%(n = 21) were mixed with more than one kind of JWH or were adulterated and other active principles were found 28% (n = 13) JWH-018, 11% (n = 5) JWH-210, 8% (n = 4) JWH-081 and the 6% WH-250 (n = 3). Origin of the sample was Catalunya 23% (n = 11), other provinces of Spain 46% (n = 22); other EU countries 23% (n = 11) and internet-unknown country 8% (n = 8). From the (n = 47) samples, were delivered (n = 16) in 2012, (n = 12) in 2013, (n = 11) in 2011, (n = 3) in 2010 and (n = 3) in 2014.ConclusionJWH'S represent a low percentage of new psychoactive substances analyzed. Its presence in the market seems decreasing.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Fenethylline (Captagon) abuse: Case report and literature review

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S393-S394
Author(s):  
M. Preve ◽  
S. Casigliani ◽  
M. Godio ◽  
N.E. Suardi ◽  
R. Traber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Recreational Use

IntroductionNovel psychoactive drugs (NPS) has rapidly increase in the last years in the drug market as a recreational use. Fenethylline is a theophylline, an amphetamine-like drug, having stimulant effects similar to those of other amphetamine-type derivatives. Fenethylline was used as medicament for hyperactivity disorders in children, narcolepsy and depression, but it has also been used as a drug of abuse under the common name of ‘captagon’. The purpose of this report is to review the clinical evidence for the potential of abuse of fenethylline. We propose a case report and literature review.MethodWe conducted a systematic review of the literature with the principal database (PubMed, Enbase, PsychInfo) and we present a case report.ResultsThe effects of fenethylline is characterized by euphoria, derealization, autopsychic and somatopsychic depersonalization, hallucination, agitation and decrease of pain perception.Discussion and conclusionThe primary drug market for fenethyline (as captagon) has traditionally been countries located on the Arabian Peninsula but also North Africa since 2013. To our knowledge, there is no report on the recreational use of fenethylline in literature. The clinical features of fenethylline intoxication were also similar to effects from other amphetamine-like drugs. In our case report, dissociative symptoms are the core of fenethylline intoxication. Further research is warranted to replicate our clinical and qualitative observations and, in general, quantitative studies in large samples followed-up over time are needed. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and suggestions for future research directions are considered [1,2].Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Diverse psychotropic substances detected in drug and drug administration equipment samples submitted to drug checking services in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 2019–April 2020

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy M. Scarfone ◽  
Nazlee Maghsoudi ◽  
Karen McDonald ◽  
Cristiana Stefan ◽  
Daniel R. Beriault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Administration ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
High Potency ◽  
Psychotropic Substances ◽  
Market Monitoring ◽  
Drug Checking

Abstract Background The overdose crisis has generated innovative harm reduction and drug market monitoring strategies. In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a multi-site drug checking service (DCS) pilot project was launched in October 2019. The project provides people who use drugs with information on the chemical composition of their substances, thereby increasing their capacity to make more informed decisions about their drug use and avoid overdose. DCS also provides real-time market monitoring to identify trends in the unregulated drug supply. Methods Sample data were obtained through analyses of drug and used drug administration equipment samples submitted anonymously and free of charge to DCS in downtown Toronto from October 10, 2019, to April 9, 2020, representing the first six months of DCS implementation. Analyses were conducted in clinical laboratories using liquid chromatography- and/or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS, GC–MS) techniques. Results Overall, 555 samples were submitted, with 49% (271) of samples that were found to contain high-potency opioids, of which 87% (235) also contained stimulants. Benzodiazepine-type drugs were found in 21% (116) of all samples, and synthetic cannabinoids in 1% (7) of all samples. Negative effects (including overdose, adverse health events, and extreme sedation) were reported for 11% (59) of samples submitted for analysis. Conclusions Toronto’s DCS identified a range of high-potency opioids with stimulants, benzodiazepine-type drugs, and a synthetic cannabinoid, AMB-FUBINACA. This information can inform a range of evidence-informed overdose prevention efforts.

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