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Patterns of use and toxicity of new para‐halogenated substituted cathinones: 4‐ CMC (clephedrone), 4‐ CEC (4‐chloroethcatinone) and 4‐ BMC (brephedrone)
Author(s) -
Grifell Marc,
Ventura Mireia,
Carbón Xoán,
Quintana Pol,
Galindo Liliana,
Palma Álvaro,
Fornis Ivan,
Gil Cristina,
Farre Magi,
Torrens Marta
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
human psychopharmacology: clinical and experimental
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.461
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1099-1077
pISSN - 0885-6222
DOI - 10.1002/hup.2621
Subject(s) - drug , harm reduction , toxicity , veterinary drugs , pharmacology , toxicology , business , chemistry , medicine , public health , veterinary medicine , biology , nursing , organic chemistry
Objective This paper aims to present results of the analysis of clephedrone (4‐CMC), 4‐chloroethcathinone (4‐CEC), and brephedrone (4‐BMC) on recreational drug markets and a systematic review of all the available information concerning these substances. Material and methods Samples collected by the drug checking service of the Spanish harm reduction NGO—Energy Control were analyzed and systematic research was conducted. Between June 2014 and October 2016, 1,471 samples with at least one NPS were analyzed, 397 of which contained cathinones. Results Clephedrone was found in 29 samples, brephedrone in 8, and both were present in 2 samples. 4‐Chloroethcathinone was detected in 5 samples. Eleven out of the 47 purchased samples (23.4%) were tested to contain the substance the user expected. Samples received were mainly sold as 3‐MMC, MDMA, ketamine, and other cathinones. No literature on the effects or toxicity of these substances was found; the only information available was on internet fora. On many posts, users exhibit concerns about potential toxicity and side effects of using these substances. Conclusion Since the emergence of these substances could prove to be the next step to the cat‐and‐mouse game existing between drug producers and legislation, further clinical and epidemiological research should be carried out in order to build evidence to support policy for public health issues.