Rekreacyjne używanie leków dostępnych w odręcznej sprzedaży: odurzanie i doping mózgu

Recreational use of over-the-counter drugs is rising, especially among young people. Dextromethorphan (DXM) at doses of 1.5–7.5 mg/kg body mass induces stimulation, mood improvement, and motor impairment; above 7.5 mg/kg it produces dissociative effects. Adverse reactions are pronounced when DXM is taken with alcohol or substances affecting CYP2D6 metabolism. Some users develop psychological dependence and withdrawal, and long-term use may impair cognitive function. Abuse of Tantum Rosa (benzydamine), reported in Brazil, Poland, and Romania, causes visual hallucinations and flashbacks. Pseudoephedrine, an amphetamine-like stimulant, can produce euphoria, hallucinations, and psychosis, but greater health threats arise from its derivatives ephedrone and methamphetamine.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Recreational substance use is becoming more common, especially among young people. Some anti-inflammatory or antitussive drugs exert potent psychoactive effects when they are used in large doses. Easily available over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may cause a range of effects including hallucinations or euphoria. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is particularly often used. At doses of 1.5–7.5 mg/kg body mass it induces stimulation, mood improvement, motor impairment, and used at doses higher than 7.5 mg/kg b.m., it exerts dissociative effects. Adverse reactions are especially clear when DXM was taken with alcohol or substances affecting metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 CYP2D6. Among DXM users, some cases of psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms were observed. Long-term use of DXM may be associated with cognitive function deterioration. The abuse of Tantum Rosa (a popular gynecological anti-inflammatory drug containing benzydamine) was described mainly in Brazil, Poland and Romania. It causes hallucinations (mainly visual) and “flashbacks” (short-term hallucinations despite not being under the influence of the psychedelic compound). Pseudoephedrine, an amphetamine-like stimulant, produces mood improvement or even euphoria, hallucinations and psychosis. However, the real health threat is associated with the use of substances produced from pseudoephedrine: ephedrone and methamphetamine.