Legal Highs

Question 1

What are Mephedrone’s effects?

Answer 1

Reuptake inhibition serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine
Dopamine release
Users report effects between ecstacy/cocaine:
stimulant-self confidence, talkative
empathogenic- intimacy, appreciation music, openness, desire to dance

Question 2

What is Cocaine’s MOA?

Answer 2

Serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine reuptake inhibitor

Question 3

What is Amphetamine’s MOA?

Answer 3

Dopamine, norepinephrine release

Question 4

What is MDMA’s MOA?

Answer 4

Serotonin, norepinephrine dopamine release

Question 5

What are some -ve effects of mephedrone?

Answer 5

Effects on sympathetic nervous system: fast irregular heart beat, increased BP, mydriasis, chest pain, agitation, sweating, headaches, insomnia
Jaw clenching, nausea, vomiting, paranoia, hallucinations
Craving, dependency, susceptibility to ladybirds

Question 6

What is Benzofuran molecule’s MOA?

Answer 6

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor

Question 7

What are the features of serotonin syndrome?

Answer 7

Agitation/restlessness
Hyper-reflexia
Tremor
Myoclonus
Sweating
Diarrhoea
Shivering
Ataxia
Fever
Confusion
Hypomania

Question 8

What is Ching’s MOA?

Answer 8

Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Question 9

Describe synthetic cannabinoids vs cannabis

Answer 9

Up to 800x more potent
Inhomogenous
Reduced levels cannibidiol
Psychosis, increased agitation
Increased reporting hallucinations
Sympathemimetic effects 2-3x more likely
CVS problems

Question 10

What are cannabinoids MOA’s?

Answer 10

Decreased neurotransmission levels (activate GABA/opioid receptors)
Inhibit glutaminergic/catecholaminergic

Question 11

Do hallucinogens lead to dependence?

Answer 11

No

Question 12

What occurs when taking dissociatives (e.g. ketamine)?

Answer 12

Detachment from reality
Derealisation
Depersonalisation
Dissociation
Hallucinations
Laryngeal, pharyngeal reflexes maintained

Question 13

What physical symptoms occur when taking dissociatives?

Answer 13

Sedative
Psychostimulant
Anaesthetic
Analgesic
Hallucinogenic
Stimulate BP and pulse

Question 14

What is the treatment for people taking NPS?

Answer 14

Few drugs have pharmacological treatment

Psychological intervention-preparing detox, sustaining change

Question 15

What advice should be given to patients prior to taking NPS?

Answer 15

Always take a test dose e.g a dab or half a pill and wait at least 2 hours before taking more
Avoid mixing with other drugs including alcohol
Tell someone you are with what you have taken
If going to sleep, sleep on your side
Seek help if you need to and be honest about what you have taken to emergency services