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

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.

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

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1069 ◽

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.

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

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1609 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S442-S442 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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Presence and evolution of a new psychoactive tryptamines branch

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.131 ◽

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.

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The synthetic cannabinoids: JWH, four years of analysis

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.123 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S115-S116 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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What are sweet dreams made of? Analysis of psychoactive substances into “gummies”: A retrospective descriptive study

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1777 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. s880-s880

Author(s):

A. Trabsa ◽

E. Monteagudo ◽

D.D. Mariona ◽

M. Grifell ◽

L. Galindo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Drug Carriers ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Energy Control ◽

Competing Interest ◽

New Formulation ◽

Harmful Effects

IntroductionAlthough psychoactive substances has a long history in recreational settings, research on its composition has focused only on tablets, crystal and powder, even though new formulation for new psychoactive substances are readily available for users.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of psychoactive substances and its characteristics in new formulations which had not previously been found in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsA total of 8324 samples were analysed from June 2014 to December 2015. Only those samples in gummy formulation were studied (n = 9). Samples were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm-reduction NGO that offers analysis of substances to users. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 9 samples of psychoactive substances in gummy formulation, the analysis detected that 55.5% contained multiple psychoactive substances: 6 samples contained 25N-NBOMe (66.7%), 1 2C-E (11.1%), 1 2C-D (11.1%). Two allylescaline (20%), 1 cocaine (11.1%), 1 THC (11.1%), 1 canabinol (11.1%), 1 ketamine (11.1%), 1 caffeine (11.1%), 1 MDMA (11.1%), 1 N-acetyl-MDMA (11.1%), 1 metoxetamine (11.1%), 1 N-acetyl-MDMA), 1 2C-N (11.1%). The only substance found in active dosage was 25N-NBOMe. Six samples (66.67%) did not contain the substance expected by the consumer.DiscussionIncipient presence of gummies as new psychoactive formulation was found. The most prevalent drug was 25N-NBOMe; 66.7% did not contain the substance expected. This may pose a risk for potential harmful effects. All the gummies were known to be drug-carriers when bought. This could represent the presence of new formulations from June 2014 in the Spanish recreational market.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Identification of the designer benzodiazepine 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine (flualprazolam) in an anesthesia robbery case

Forensic Toxicology ◽

10.1007/s11419-019-00501-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 269-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Zhenhua Qian ◽

Cuimei Liu ◽

Jian Huang ◽

Qingqing Deng ◽

Zhendong Hua

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Analytical Data ◽

Drug Market ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Designer Drug ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽

Emerging Compounds ◽

Analytical Properties

Abstract Purpose This publication reports analytical properties of the designer benzodiazepine 8-chloro-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1-methyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine (flualprazolam) seized in an anesthesia robbery case. Methods The target compound was identified by liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results We could obtain detailed analytical data of flualprazolam—a new designer benzodiazepine available on the designer drug market. Conclusions More designer benzodiazepines have been detected and seized on the illegal drug scene as new psychoactive substances during the last 5 years. In this study, we presented analytical data of flualprazolam to assist forensic laboratories that encounter these newly emerging compounds in casework. This is the first report on this compound in illegal products.

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Ethylone: A synthetic cathinone emerging in Barcelona

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1715 ◽

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.

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New methodologies for faster study of new psychoactive substances: A proposal

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.2116 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S571-S572

Author(s):

P. Quintana Mathé ◽

M. Grifell

Keyword(s):

Scientific Community ◽

High Reliability ◽

Case Reports ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Health Concern ◽

New Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Controlled Drugs ◽

Drug Checking ◽

Competing Interest

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that have recently become available, and are not worldwide regulated. They often intend to mimic the effect of controlled drugs, becoming a public health concern. In 2014, 101 substances were reported for the first time in the EU, which may require to be studied and risk-assessed by the scientific community. The EMCDDA recognizes it as an emerging topic where research is most needed, as the scientific community is struggling to keep pace with the speed at which new substances appear. On the one hand, case reports and internet-based surveys are quickly published but do not provide enough evidence to guide clinical decisions. On the other hand, classical high-reliability methodologies such as Cohort and Clinical studies take too long and their cost is too high to be of much use for the study of NPS. We propose an intermediate methodology to tackle this unmet need.RationaleGonzález and colleagues described a set of highly educated, experimental users of NPS with extensive knowledge and consumption of substances. These users usually look for drug checking of the substances they intend to consume. We suggest we could benefit from the collaboration of such users, and the possibility of obtaining analytical confirmation, to retrieve information about NPS in a quick and reliable fashion.Outline of methodologyRecluting of subjects that submit NPS to a drug checking facility. Analysis of the samples for analytical confirmation. Check inclusion criteria and propose inclusion in the study. Give structured forms for reporting effects and adverse events.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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25I-NBOMe: The legal LSD

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.006 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. S72-S73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

I. Ezquiaga ◽

M. Grifell ◽

L. Galindo ◽

L. Martínez ◽

Á. Palma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽

Psychoactive Substances ◽

Energy Control ◽

High Affinity ◽

Other Substances ◽

Competing Interest ◽

Serotonin 2A ◽

Harmful Effects

IntroductionNovel psychoactive substances (NPS) use is progressively increasing year on year. A new group of phenethylamines sold as legal stimulants and hallucinogens is being reported increasingly since 2012. Within this group, 25I-NBOMe is an outstanding substance with powerful effects and high affinity with the serotonin 2a (5HT2a) receptor. Several toxicity cases have been reported so far.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of 25I-NBOMe and its characteristics in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2009 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsAmong the samples, 21,198 analyzed from august 2009 to august 2015 and only those samples containing 25I-NBOMe were studied (n = 56). Samples were analyzed by Energy Control, a Spanish harm-reduction NGO that offers users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. Analysis was done by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry.ResultsFrom 56 samples were 25I-NBOMe was found, 24 were bought as LSD (42.8%), 12 as 25I-NBOMe (21.4%), 4 as 25C-NBOMe (7.1%), 4 as 25I-NBOH (7.1%) and 12 as other substances (21.4%), gummy bears included. All samples were received from 2012 on, having the highest peak on 2013 (19 samples).Conclusions25I-NBOMe consumption represents an emerging issue with potential harmful effects, especially when the substance used is not the expected. Further pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, clinical and epidemiological researches should be conducted to deepen knowledge about 25I-NBOMe and the management of its possible toxic effects. Physicians should be aware of NPS, their increasing use and the clinical differences between them.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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New designer benzodiazepines use in Barcelona

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1758 ◽

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.

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