Experimental neurology
May 1, 2021
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, Andrea Miuli et al.
49 citations
Several new psychoactive substances (NPS) can trigger serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition of excessive serotonin activity marked by altered mental status, neuromuscular effects, and autonomic hyperactivity. A systematic review of three retrospective studies, two case series, and five case reports identified implicated substances including psychedelic phenethylamines (2C-I, 25I-NBOMe, 5-IT) and synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, MDPV, methylone, butylone, NRG3, AMT, MXP), as well as the antidepressant bupropion when misused at high doses or combined with other serotonergic drugs. Most substances were taken orally, though nasal insufflation and sublingual administration occurred. Psychiatric history was negative for most subjects. Clinicians should recognize NPS risks and diagnostic challenges due to undetectability in routine drug screenings.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
February 9, 2021
Valeria Catalani, Davide Arillotta, John Corkery et al.
38 citations
During the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a web crawler called NPSfinder® identified 229 new psychoactive substances (NPSs) being discussed on drug enthusiast forums and social media. Of these, 18 NPSs were detected for the first time, including six cathinones, six opioids, two synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, two PCP-like molecules, and two psychedelics. Ten of these 18 substances had not been previously reported to either the UNODC or EMCDDA databases. Opioids and cathinones generated the most discussion on social media and Reddit. Automated web crawlers combined with social listening may help identify emerging NPSs, and pandemic-related restrictions may influence demand for specific NPS classes.
European Neuropsychopharmacology
April 13, 2021
Valeria Catalani, John Corkery, Amira Guirguis et al.
18 citations
A software tool called NPSfinder crawled websites frequented by psychonauts and online NPS resources from November 2017 to February 2020, detecting 1,344 psychedelic new psychoactive substances (NPS)—nearly ten times more than the combined total reported by the United Nations and European monitoring agencies. Of these, 994 were previously unknown molecules identified as potential novel psychedelics, indicating a large gap between online availability and officially reported NPS. The findings suggest strong interest in psychedelics among psychonauts and possibly recreational drug users, and that monitoring online spaces may help assess real-world availability, understand drug trends, and predict future scenarios.
Pharmaceuticals
December 31, 2022
Antonio Munafò, Davide Arillotta, Guido Mannaioni et al.
15 citations
Psilocybin shows promise as a transdiagnostic treatment for psychiatric disorders, with recent evidence indicating that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can provide significant and lasting relief from depressive symptoms. However, existing studies have limitations including small sample sizes, inadequate blinding, short follow-up periods, and highly selected treatment populations. Additional concerns involve practitioner experience, lack of standardized protocols, the legal status of psychedelics, ethical issues, and potential adverse psychological or medical effects. The authors suggest that newer evidence, more precise protocols, and policy changes may clarify psilocybin's therapeutic potential.
Brain sciences
April 22, 2025
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Bonaccorso, Davide Arillotta et al.
14 citations
Chemsex involves using drugs like synthetic cathinones, GHB/GBL, ketamine, methamphetamine, and others to enhance and prolong sexual experiences. Stimulants increase sexual arousal, performance, and social interactions; MDMA-like drugs foster emotional closeness; GHB/GBL promotes disinhibition, leading to condomless sex with multiple partners; ketamine facilitates receptive anal intercourse or fisting. Polydrug use can cause serotonergic syndrome, seizures, drug interactions, and sympathomimetic overstimulation, along with psychopathological conditions that may lead to misuse of opioids, gabapentinoids, or antipsychotics. Reducing stigma and providing multidisciplinary medical, psychological, and social support are key to managing these challenges.
Archiv der Pharmazie
March 1, 2025
Giuseppe Floresta, Alberto Granzotto, Vincenzo Patamia et al.
12 citations
Xylazine, a veterinary sedative now used recreationally with fentanyl, interacts with human serotonin 7 (5-HT7R) and kappa-opioid (KOR) receptors. Computational docking and molecular dynamics simulations identified binding motifs and showed that small structural changes can improve xylazine's affinity for these receptors. These findings may help explain xylazine's psychoactive effects and guide treatments for overdoses.