Drug testing and analysis
January 1, 2016
Piotr Adamowicz, Joanna Gieroń, Dominika Gil et al.
87 citations
New psychoactive substances (NPS) appeared in 112 of 1,058 analyzed forensic cases from 2012–2014, with 75 cases in 2014 alone. The overall prevalence of NPS (15.1–17.6%) was similar to that of amphetamine alone (15.1–16.5%). Cathinones made up 88% of the NPS detected, most frequently 3-MMC, α-PVP, and pentedrone. In 35% of cases, a single NPS was the only drug found; two or more NPS appeared in 19% of cases; and most cases (65%) involved NPS alongside conventional drugs such as amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, or benzodiazepines. NPS were often found in drivers' blood, posing a challenge for toxicologists due to limited data on their effects on psychomotor performance.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
February 26, 2020
Monika Kacela, Piotr Adamowicz, Jolanta B. Zawilska
79 citations
NBOMe compounds, a new class of psychedelic drugs derived from the 2C family, are ultrapotent and highly selective agonists of serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, with over 1000-fold selectivity for 5-HT2A compared to 5-HT1A. Sold in various forms and administered via multiple routes, they have caused numerous clinical intoxications and fatalities since the early 2010s. Adverse effects include hallucinations, agitation, seizures, and sympathomimetic signs like mydriasis and tachycardia. This survey reviews their pharmacology, use patterns, metabolism, and analytical detection methods.
Forensic science international
April 1, 2017
Piotr Adamowicz, Joanna Gieroń, Dominika Gil et al.
UR-144, a synthetic cannabinoid found in 'legal highs' since 2012, produces a range of effects on the human body. In 39 cases where UR-144 was detected in blood, concentrations ranged from trace amounts to 17 ng/mL. The most common symptoms included slurred speech, dilated pupils, abnormal pupillary reaction, cheerful behavior, poor coordination, and staggering. Less frequent effects included verbosity, narrow pupils, loss of consciousness, facial skin changes, blackout, euphoria, agitation, hallucinations, hindered communication, shaking hands, seizures, convulsions, somnolence, delayed movements, reddened conjunctiva, and tachycardia. The findings help identify possible effects of UR-144 use.
Forensic science international
April 1, 2016
Piotr Adamowicz
A man died after smoking a synthetic cannabinoid called MDMB-CHMICA, which was found in the herbal mixture 'Mocarz' in Poland. He lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest minutes after use, and died four days later from multiple organ failure. MDMB-CHMICA was detected in his blood and tissues, with a concentration of 5.6 ng/mL in antemortem blood and 2.6 ng/g in the brain. The case demonstrates that MDMB-CHMICA can cause organ failure, cardiac arrest, and death.