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Unexpected Serotonin Syndrome, Epileptic Seizures, and Cerebral Edema Following 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐bromophenethylamine Ingestion
Author(s) -
Spoelder Antoinette S.,
Louwerens Jan K. G.,
Krens Stefanie D.,
Jager Nynke,
LeCouffe Natalie E.,
Ruijter Wouter,
Brunt Tibor M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.14214
Subject(s) - medicine , serotonin syndrome , epilepsy , serotonin , cerebral edema , ingestion , anesthesia , edema , brain edema , psychiatry , serotonergic , receptor
4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C‐B) is a designer drug. In Europe, 2C‐B is easily obtained and used for recreational purposes. It is known for its stimulating effects similar to those of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, although in higher doses it has more hallucinogenic effects. Here, we report a case of 2C‐B ingestion, confirmed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, in an 18‐year‐old man. The neurological consequences were severe, including the development of serotonin syndrome and severe brain edema. Supportive therapy resulted in a stable condition, although, after several months, the patient still suffered from severe neurological impairment due to the drug‐induced toxicity. This case showed that 2C‐B could not be identified with the drugs of abuse screening routinely used in Dutch hospitals. The use of 2C‐B carries many risks, with potentially profound neurological damage, that both consumers and healthcare physicians are unaware of.