Drug Analysis New and Emerging Drugs

Define Designer Drug.

Drugs that manipulate the molecule of a controlled drug to make a drug not specifically listed as a controlled substance

The emergence of designer drug analogues appears to be related to what three factors? 

• Availability of starting materials for synthesis 

• Increased sophistication and expertise among clandestine chemists 

• Availability to purchase chemicals over the internet

In what areas is PCP most prevalent? 

• The use of PCP seems concentrated among post-high school age black males in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC

List the schedules for the following drugs

• CP: schedule 1

• JWH-073: schedule 1

• JWH-018: schedule 1

• Ketamine: schedule 3

• HU-210: schedule 1

• Bath salts: schedule 1

• BZP: schedule 1

• Salvia: schedule 1

• TFMPP: schedule 1

• Khat: schedule 1 

What curtailed the use of PCP as a veterinary product? 

• Legal restrictions developed in the late 1970s and designation of  PCP as a Schedule II drug have curtailed its use 

T/F Ketamine and PCP are veterinary products that are used today. 

• False, PCP is no longer used

What are three forms PCP is found in?

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Paper squares

• Powders

• Cigarettes

List 3 chemicals needed to manufacture PCP. 

• Amphetamine

• MDA

• Phenylacetone

List 3 analogues of PCP. 

• PCE

• PCPy

• TCP

List 3 CNS effects of PCP. 

• Disorientation

• Confusion

• Stupor

• Lethargy

What are the hallmark symptoms of PCP intoxication?

• Nystagmus (rapid involuntary movements of the eye)

• Hypertension

Does PCP have withdrawal effects? Tolerance effects? 

• Tolerance to many of the actions of PCP has been described and psychological dependence may  result upon repeated administration.

• A withdrawal syndrome associated with chronic PCP use has also been identified. 

Death from PCP overdose and intoxication is usually attributed to what three things?

• Death from PCP overdose or intoxication is usually attributed to respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse or seizures

What year did the schedule of PCP change? What was it previously? 

Phencyclidine (PCP) was originally listed as a Schedule III controlled substance, but because of the widespread abuse of PCP, it was placed in Schedule II in 1978.

What type of drugs are the dimethoxyphenalkylamines? 

• Dimethoxyphenalkylamines are hallucinogenic or psychotomimetic (“psychedelic”). 

How is khat abused? 

• Khat is used for its stimulant effects. Fresh leaves are chewed and dried leaves are smoked, made into a paste and chewed, or brewed in tea.

What are the effects of moderate use of khat? 

• The effects are similar to but less intense than those of methamphetamine or cocaine. Used moderately, khat alleviates fatigue and reduces appetite. 

What are the two drugs found in khat? What schedules are they?

• Cathinone (Schedule I)

• Cathine (ScheduleIV)

What is the name of the drug found in the Salvia divinorum plant? 

• Contains the hallucinogenic drug Salvinorin A

What are two ways that Salvia is used/abused? 

• Used by chewing (most effective because it is absorbed through oral mucosa) or brewing into a “tea”

Why are the synthetic cannabinoids called “synthetic cannabinoids”? 

• Refers to a class of new drugs that mimic the effect of THC. Also known as “spice” products. 

In what year were some of the synthetic cannabinoids and Salvia made illegal in Alabama?

2010

Legally, how were those drugs (Synthetic cannabinoids) classified?

• Illegal to possess, mostly class I drugs

Name two effects of the drugs classified as “bath salts.” 

• Hallucinations

• Psychosis 

Given a class of drugs, identify each as one of the following: stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen.

• Cocaine: simulant 

• Methamphetamine: stimulant

• Benzodiazepines: depressant

• Marihuana: technically can have all three but is mostly considered a depressant

• Narcotics (opiates): depressant

• Synthetic cannabinoids: stimulant

• “Bath salts”: stimulant/hallucinogen

• LSD: hallucinogen