Interactions between mephedrone and alcohol in humans: Cardiovascular and subjective effects

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S115-S115 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Farré ◽  
C. Perez-Maña ◽  
E. de Souza ◽  
J. Mateus ◽  
E. Theunisen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Abuse Liability ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
New Novel ◽  
Synthetic Cathinone ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionMephedrone is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of “New-Novel Psychoactive Substances”. Synthetic cathinones are marketed as “bath salts” or “plant food” and gained notable popularity for similar effects to 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), or amphetamines. Mephedrone is commonly consumed simultaneously with alcohol.Objectives and aimsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between mephedrone and ethanol in humans.MethodsTwelve healthy male, recreational users of psychostimulants participated as outpatients in four experimental sessions. They received a single oral dose of mephedrone (200 mg) and alcohol (0.8 g/kg), mephedrone placebo and alcohol (0.8 g/kg), mephedrone (200 mg) and placebo alcohol, and both placebos. Design was double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, cross-over and controlled with placebo. Study variables included: vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and pupil diameter), subjective effects (visual analogue scales-VAS, ARCI-49 item short form, and VESSPA questionnaire).ResultsThe combination produced an increase in the cardiovascular effects of mephedrone and induced more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being in comparison to mephedrone and alcohol. Mephedrone reduced the drunkenness and sedation produced by alcohol.ConclusionsThese results are similar to those obtained with the combination of other psychostimulants as amphetamines and MDMA. Abuse liability of the combination is greater that induced by mephedrone.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Acute Pharmacological Effects of Methylone and MDMA Administration in Humans and Oral Fluid Concentrations as Biomarkers of Exposure

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
Lourdes Poyatos ◽  
Esther Papaseit ◽  
Eulalia Olesti ◽  
Clara Pérez-Mañá ◽  
Mireia Ventura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Users ◽  
Oral Fluid ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Abuse Liability ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Potential Abuse

Considered the β-keto analogue of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) is a synthetic cathinone. Over the years, methylone has been used as a substitute for conventional psychostimulants, such as MDMA. To date, little is known about the human pharmacology of methylone; the only available information has been provided by surveys or published intoxication reports. In the present observational–naturalistic study, we evaluate the acute subjective and physiological effects of methylone after oral self-administration in comparison to MDMA in healthy poly-drug users. Fourteen participants (10 males, 4 females) selected their single oral doses of methylone from 100 to 300 mg (n = 8, mean dose 187.5 mg) or MDMA from 75 to 100 mg (n = 6, mean dose 87.5 mg) based on their experience. Study variables were assessed at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h (h) and included vital signs (non-invasive blood pressure, heart rate, cutaneous temperature) and subjective effects using visual analogue scales (VAS), the 49-item Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI) short form, and the Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Abuse Potential (VESSPA-SSE) questionnaire. Additionally, oral fluid concentrations of methylone and MDMA were determined. Acute pharmacological effects produced by methylone followed the prototypical psychostimulant and empathogenic profile associated with MDMA, although they were less intense. Methylone concentrations in oral fluid can be considered a useful biomarker to detect acute exposure in oral fluid. Oral fluid concentrations of MDMA and methylone peaked at 2 h and concentrations of MDMA were in the range of those previously described in controlled studies. Our results demonstrate that the potential abuse liability of methylone is similar to that of MDMA in recreational subjects.

scholarly journals Acute Pharmacological Effects of Oral and Intranasal Mephedrone: An Observational Study in Humans

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Esther Papaseit ◽  
Eulalia Olesti ◽  
Clara Pérez-Mañá ◽  
Marta Torrens ◽  
Francina Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Oral Fluid ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Self Administration

Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a synthetic cathinone with psychostimulant properties which remains one of the most popular new psychoactive substances (NPS). It is frequently used orally and/or intranasally. To date, no studies have evaluated the acute effects and pharmacokinetics after self-administration of mephedrone orally (ingestion) and intranasally (insufflation) in naturalistic conditions. An observational study was conducted to assess and compare the acute pharmacological effects, as well as the oral fluid (saliva) concentrations of mephedrone self-administered orally and intranasally. Ten healthy experienced drug users (4 females and 6 males) self-administered a single dose of mephedrone, orally (n = 5, 100–200 mg; mean 150 mg) or intranasally (n = 5, 50–100 mg, mean 70 mg). Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and cutaneous temperature) were measured at baseline (0), 1, 2, and 4 h after self-administration. Each participant completed subjective effects questionnaires: A set of Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), the 49-item Addiction Research Centre Inventory (ARCI), and Evaluation of the Subjective Effects of Substances with Abuse Potential (VESSPA-SSE) at baseline, 1, 2, and 4 h after self-administration. Oral fluid and urine were collected during 4 h. Both routes of mephedrone self-administration enhanced ratings of euphoria and well-being effects and increased cardiovascular effects in humans. Although it was at times assessed that the oral route produced greater and larger effects than the intranasal one, concentrations of mephedrone in oral fluid and also the total amount of mephedrone and metabolites in urine showed that concentrations of mephedrone are considerably higher when self-administered intranasally in comparison to orally. Controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm our observational results.

Subjective effects of modafinil, a new central adrenergic stimulant in healthy volunteers: a comparison with amphetamine, caffeine and placebo

1993 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Warot ◽  
E Corruble ◽  
C Payan ◽  
JS Weil ◽  
AJ Puech
Keyword(s):  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Abuse Liability ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Profile Of Mood States ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
History Of ◽  
Addiction Research Center Inventory

SummaryThe subjective, behavioral and physiological effects of modafinil (300 mg PO) a new central adrenergic stimulant, were compared with those of dextroamphetamine (15 mg PO), caffeine (300 mg PO) and placebo in a randomized double-blind cross-over study. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in the study y: 8 males and 8 females with no history of drug abuse and moderate use of caffeine. Subjective and behavioral effects were studied using the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI), Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Visual Analog Scales before and 1, 2, 4 and 8 h post single oral dosing. Results showed that subjective effects of modafinil (300 mg) differed markedly from those of dextroamphetamine (15 mg). They were close to those produced by caffeine (300 mg). These results indicate that modafinil (300 mg) does not possess amphetamine-like subjective effects in a healthy population. If subjective feelings are related to drug abuse liability, it could be assumed that modafinil, at the dose used in therapeutics, does not possess any abuse liability comparable to amphetamine.

The importance of psychosexual variables in the sexual functioning in sexually active adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s851-s851
Author(s):  
H. Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Sexual Anxiety ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Degree Of Association ◽  
Active Adults

IntroductionSexuality is a very important human dimension which contributes to psychosocial well-being and psychosexual variables, such as sexual self-esteem, sexual anxiety and sexual depression, can affect sexual functioning; however, there are few studies that demonstrate this relationship.ObjectivesTo assess the psychosexual variables and sexual performance levels in a sample of adults, and verify and determine the degree of association between sexual functioning and self-esteem, anxiety and sexual depression.MethodsThe study included 422 adults that were sexually active (who had sex in the previous month); 265 (62.8%) were women and 149 (35.3%) were men, who filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales related to sexuality and sexual functioning, Sexuality Scale and Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short Form (CSFQ 14), broadcast over the internet.ResultsThe results obtained allowed to know the relationships between the variables and psychosexual sexual functioning, and was statistically significant correlation between the two dimensions and significant differences between the correlation when comparing gender and sexual orientation.Discussion and conclusionsThis study allows us to highlight the importance of psychosexual variables in sexual functionality expression, in the sense that those working in the area of sexuality should be aware of how the human psyche interferes with sexual manifestation.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 155798831983598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian L. Lopresti ◽  
Peter D. Drummond ◽  
Stephen J. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Crossover Study ◽  
Withania Somnifera ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Aging Men ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Aging Males Symptoms

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) is a herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote youthful vigor, enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve overall health. In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, its effects on fatigue, vigor, and steroid hormones in aging men were investigated. Overweight men aged 40–70 years, with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads, delivering 21 mg of withanolide glycosides a day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included the Profile of Mood States, Short Form (POMS-SF), Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire, and salivary levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. Fifty-seven participants were enrolled, with 50 people completing the first 8-week period of the trial and 43 completing all 16 weeks. Improvements in fatigue, vigor, and sexual and psychological well-being were reported over time, with no statistically significant between-group differences. Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S ( p = .005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone ( p = .010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol. In conclusion, the intake of a standardized ashwagandha extract (Shoden beads) for 8 weeks was associated with increased levels of DHEA-S and testosterone, although no significant between-group differences were found in cortisol, estradiol, fatigue, vigor, or sexual well-being. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to substantiate the current findings.

scholarly journals High dose psilocybin is associated with positive subjective effects in healthy volunteers

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 770-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R Nicholas ◽  
Kelsey M Henriquez ◽  
Michele C Gassman ◽  
Karen M Cooper ◽  
Daniel Muller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mystical Experience ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Moderate Increase ◽  
Time And Space ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Composite Scores ◽  
Experience Questionnaire

Aim: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between escalating higher doses of psilocybin and the potential psilocybin occasioned positive subjective effects. Methods: Healthy participants ( n=12) were given three escalating doses of oral psilocybin (0.3 mg/kg; 0.45 mg/kg; 0.6 mg/kg) or (18.8–36.6 mg; 27.1–54.0 mg; 36.3–59.2 mg) a minimum of four weeks apart in a supervised setting. Blood and urine samples, vital signs, and electrocardiograms were obtained. Subjective effects were assessed using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Persisting Effects Questionnaire. Results: There was a significant linear dose-related response in Mystical Experience Questionnaire total score and the transcendence of time and space subscale, but not in the rate of a complete mystical experience. There was also a significant difference between dose 3 compared to dose 1 on the transcendence of time and space subscale, while no dose-related differences were found for Mystical Experience Questionnaire total scores or rate of a mystical experience. Persisting Effects Questionnaire positive composite scores 30 days after completion of the last dose were significantly higher than negative composite scores. Persisting Effects Questionnaire results revealed a moderate increase in sense of well-being or life satisfaction on average that was associated with the maximum Mystical Experience Questionnaire total score. Pharmacokinetic measures were associated with dose but not with Mystical Experience Questionnaire total scores or rate of a mystical experience. Conclusions: High doses of psilocybin elicited subjective effects at least as strong as the lower doses and resulted in positive persisting subjective effects 30 days after, indicating that a complete mystical experience was not a prerequisite for positive outcomes.

scholarly journals Acute Effects of the Novel Psychoactive Drug 2C-B on Emotions

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora González ◽  
Marta Torrens ◽  
Magí Farré
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Emotional Stimuli ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
Chronic Effects ◽  
Acute And Chronic Effects

Background. 2C-B (Nexus) is one of the most widespread novel psychoactive substances. There is limited information about its pharmacological properties, and few studies in humans concern its acute and chronic effects. 2C-B has been classified as a stimulant, hallucinogen, entactogen, and/or empathogen.Objectives. To evaluate the emotional, subjective, and cardiovascular effects of 2C-B.Methods. Twenty healthy recreational 2C-B users (12 women) self-administered a 20 mg dose of 2C-B. Evaluations included emotional (IAPS, FERT, and speech), subjective (visual analog scales, ARCI, VESSPA, HRS, and POMS questionnaires), and cardiovascular effects (blood pressure and heart rate).Results. Positive subjective effects predominated with a reduction of anger under the influence of 2C-B. It did, however, increase reactivity to negative emotional stimuli and decrease the ability to recognize expressions of happiness. Augmented emotionality in speech could be appreciated by others. 2C-B induced euphoria and well-being, changes in perceptions, and slight hallucinogenic states. Mild sympathetic actions were observed.Conclusions. The specific profile that 2C-B exerts on emotions suggests its classification as an entactogen with psychedelic properties.

The Effects of a Caffeine Placebo and Experimenter Expectation on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Walach ◽  
Stefan Schmidt ◽  
Yvonne-Michelle Bihr ◽  
Susanne Wiesch
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Being There ◽  
To Receive

We studied the effect of experimenter expectations and different instructions in a balanced placebo design. 157 subjects were randomized into a 2 × 4 factorial design. Two experimenters were led to expect placebos either to produce physiological effects or not (pro- vs. antiplacebo). All subjects except a control group received a caffeine placebo. They were either made to expect coffee, no coffee, or were in a double-blind condition. Dependent measures were blood pressure, heart rate, well-being, and a cognitive task. There was one main effect on the instruction factor (p = 0.03) with the group “told no caffeine” reporting significantly better well-being. There was one main effect on the experimenter factor with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” having higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008). There was one interaction with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” to receive coffee doing worse in the cognitive task than the rest. Subjects instructed by experimenter “antiplacebo” were significantly less likely to believe the experimental instruction, and that mostly if they had been instructed to receive coffee. Contrary to the literature we could not show an effect of instruction, but there was an effect of experimenters. It is likely, however, that these experimenter effects were not due to experimental manipulations, but to the difference in personalities.

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