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        New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Serotonin Syndrome onset: a Systematic Review

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        Author
        Schifano, Fabrizio
        Chiappini, Stephania
        Corkery, John
        Scherbaum, Norbert
        Napoletano, Flavia
        Arillotta, Davide
        Catalani, Valeria
        Vento, Alessandro
        Pettorruso, Mauro
        Martinotti, Giovanni
        di Giannantonio, Massimo
        Guirguis, Amira
        Attention
        2299/24011
        Abstract
        The use of several new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become very popular and is posing global health risks. Chemically and pharmacologically diverse molecules are constantly emerging and are presenting with a wide range of clinical implications. Serotonin toxicity, and specifically Serotonin Syndrome (SS), might develop as a result of an over-activation of the serotoninergic system caused by several mechanisms resulting in a classic triad of altered mental status, neuromuscular effects, and autonomic hyperactivity. In the present systematic review, we have investigated and summarized the available evidence related to the association between SS and NPS intake. Three retrospective studies, two case series and five case reports were included in this systematic review; several NPS were found to be implicated in SS occurrence These include psychedelic phenethylamines, e.g. 2, 5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I); 2-(4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- N-I[(2-methyoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25I-NBOMe); and 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-IT); and synthetic cathinones, e.g. mephedrone; 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV); methylone; butylone; NRG3; alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT); methoxphenidine (MXP); and the antidepressant bupropion. Bupropion was here misused at high dosages and/or in combination with other licit/illicit serotonergic drugs. Whilst most substances were ingested orally, nasal insufflation (with both 5-IT and 2C-I) and sublingual administration of blotter paper (with 25I-NBOMe) were reported as well. Interestingly, the psychiatric history was negative for most subjects, apart from two cases. Clinicians should be aware of NPS potential risks and the severe consequences of their recreational use, including SS. Also, due to their undetectability in routine and common drug screenings, the diagnostic challenges posed by NPS should not be underestimated during the treatment of such patients.
        Publication date
        2021-05-01
        Published in
        Experimental Neurology
        Published version
        https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113638
        License
        http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
        Other links
        http://hdl.handle.net/2299/24011
        Relations
        School of Life and Medical Sciences
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