Over several months, 14 people were admitted in 6 hospitals with severe symptoms of intoxication with psychoactive substances as a result of mass poisoning. All symptoms occurred after taking a drink that contained crushed phenazepam tablets. Samples of blood (=10) and urine (=6) taken from 14 sufferers for forensic, chemical and toxicological examination were analyzed using the HPLC-MS/MS method. Phenazepam was detected in the biomaterial of all 14 patients. Other psychoactive substances (baclofen, pregabalin, chlorprothixene, chlorpromazine, phenibut, tramadol, diazepam), narcotic substances and ethanol were also found in the sufferers. The phenazepam concentration in the blood was in the range of 109.75-786.50 ng/ml, in the urine - 8.97-101.28 ng/ml. The pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic characteristics of toxicants as well as additional factors characterizing the phenotype of the sufferer in addition to drug's content in the biological material must be taken into account to determine the toxicity level of phenazepam against the background of combined action with other psychoactive substances.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.17116/sudmed20246701147 | DOI Listing |
Adv Clin Exp Med
January 2025
Institute of Human Anatomy, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy.
The concept of "gender" refers to the socially constructed characteristics that define feminine or masculine behavior, which are constantly changing and can influence access to healthcare and patterns of help-seeking. These factors significantly impact forensic toxicology, a key area within the medicolegal landscape, forcing the adoption of a gender-sensitive approach to better understand the differing impacts of substances on men and women. Research indicates significant disparities in drug use between genders; men are more likely to abuse alcohol and illicit drugs, while women tend to use prescription medications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Neuropharmacol
January 2025
Department of Neurosciences 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
Introduction/objective: Data on long-term treatment with Esketamine Nasal Spray (ESKNS) in real-world patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD) is scarce. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of ESK-NS treatment at 6 and 12-month follow-ups.
Methods: This is part of an observational, retrospective, multicentric Italian study (REAL-ESK study).
J Psychoactive Drugs
January 2025
McGaw Medical Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Co-occurring substance use disorders are common in medical settings, yet limited literature exists on concomitant pharmacological management. We present a case where low-dose buprenorphine induction (LDBI) and rapid phenobarbital taper were performed concurrently in a hospital setting to manage co-occurring opioid dependence (on chronic methadone maintenance therapy) and benzodiazepine dependence (prescribed alprazolam). The simultaneous management was well-tolerated and completed with minimal complications, successfully enabling candidacy for the patient's preferred disposition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBasic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol
February 2025
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are health-hazardous through unpredictable toxicity and effects and largely unknown epidemiology, motivating studies of the latter. Up to 138 NPS were retrospectively identified using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data from all 34 183 oral fluid drug samples collected in one Swedish health care region 2019-2020 representing 9468 psychiatric and addiction care patients. In total, 618 findings representing 58 NPS were detected in 481 samples from 201 patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Neuropharmacol
January 2025
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA.
Objectives: This study reviews literature on the psychiatric effects of delta-8-THC, particularly psychosis and severe mental health outcomes, to highlight the need for further research and regulation.
Background: Marijuana, the most widely used illicit drug in the United States, sees increasing use due to legalization. Although moderate use is generally safe, adverse effects can occur, especially in those with preexisting conditions.
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