Potential neonatal toxicity of new psychoactive substances.
Pharmacology & therapeutics August 1, 2023 Ryoichi Fujiwara, Megan Journey, Fatimah Al-Doori et al. 13 citations
New psychoactive substances (NPSs) such as synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenethylamines, and piperazines are often falsely marketed as natural and safe but cause severe adverse effects including seizures, nephrotoxicity, and death. Their use has risen sharply among adolescents and young adults due to low cost and easy availability. As of January 2020, nearly 1000 NPSs have been documented. Use of NPSs is linked to higher rates of unplanned pregnancy; about 4 in 100 women in substance abuse treatment are pregnant or nursing.