Abstract
Background: Since 2004, a new wave of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) known as "Spice drugs" has come under scrutiny because of their suspected link to neurological and psychiatric sequelae. These "herbal incense" or "potpourri blends" have gained popularity as a result of being more potent than natural cannabinoids, are not detected with current screening tests, and are easily modified bymanufacturers to bypass legal restrictions. Unfortunately, cases of withdrawal phenomena, nausea, hypertension, and psychosis are now being reported in the medical literature. In addition, after reports in lay media of seizures and coma attributed to the consumption of the drug, anecdotal reports have emerged of similar findings in the medical literature. Case Description: We report on a 48-year-old man who, after consuming the herbal blend, lost consciousness and suffered several episodes of seizures. Despite a complicated ICU stay, the patient recovered well with no subsequent neurological sequelae. Conclusions: The authors interpreted the history and findings consistent with the consumption of a large amount of synthetic cannabinoids leading to new-onset seizures and coma. However, at the time of admission, the lack of routine laboratory testing and treatment options delayed the diagnosis and delivery of appropriate therapy.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 240-241 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Journal of Addiction Medicine |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 2012 |
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Keywords
- JWH-018
- Spice drugs
- Spirit
- Synthetic cannabinoids
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pharmacology (medical)
Cite this
Internet highs-seizures after consumption of synthetic cannabinoids purchased online. / Tofighi, Babak; Lee, Joshua.
In: Journal of Addiction Medicine, Vol. 6, No. 3, 09.2012, p. 240-241.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Internet highs-seizures after consumption of synthetic cannabinoids purchased online
AU - Tofighi, Babak
AU - Lee, Joshua
PY - 2012/9
Y1 - 2012/9
N2 - Background: Since 2004, a new wave of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) known as "Spice drugs" has come under scrutiny because of their suspected link to neurological and psychiatric sequelae. These "herbal incense" or "potpourri blends" have gained popularity as a result of being more potent than natural cannabinoids, are not detected with current screening tests, and are easily modified bymanufacturers to bypass legal restrictions. Unfortunately, cases of withdrawal phenomena, nausea, hypertension, and psychosis are now being reported in the medical literature. In addition, after reports in lay media of seizures and coma attributed to the consumption of the drug, anecdotal reports have emerged of similar findings in the medical literature. Case Description: We report on a 48-year-old man who, after consuming the herbal blend, lost consciousness and suffered several episodes of seizures. Despite a complicated ICU stay, the patient recovered well with no subsequent neurological sequelae. Conclusions: The authors interpreted the history and findings consistent with the consumption of a large amount of synthetic cannabinoids leading to new-onset seizures and coma. However, at the time of admission, the lack of routine laboratory testing and treatment options delayed the diagnosis and delivery of appropriate therapy.
AB - Background: Since 2004, a new wave of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) known as "Spice drugs" has come under scrutiny because of their suspected link to neurological and psychiatric sequelae. These "herbal incense" or "potpourri blends" have gained popularity as a result of being more potent than natural cannabinoids, are not detected with current screening tests, and are easily modified bymanufacturers to bypass legal restrictions. Unfortunately, cases of withdrawal phenomena, nausea, hypertension, and psychosis are now being reported in the medical literature. In addition, after reports in lay media of seizures and coma attributed to the consumption of the drug, anecdotal reports have emerged of similar findings in the medical literature. Case Description: We report on a 48-year-old man who, after consuming the herbal blend, lost consciousness and suffered several episodes of seizures. Despite a complicated ICU stay, the patient recovered well with no subsequent neurological sequelae. Conclusions: The authors interpreted the history and findings consistent with the consumption of a large amount of synthetic cannabinoids leading to new-onset seizures and coma. However, at the time of admission, the lack of routine laboratory testing and treatment options delayed the diagnosis and delivery of appropriate therapy.
KW - JWH-018
KW - Spice drugs
KW - Spirit
KW - Synthetic cannabinoids
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84871330231&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84871330231&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/ADM.0b013e3182619004
DO - 10.1097/ADM.0b013e3182619004
M3 - Article
VL - 6
SP - 240
EP - 241
JO - Journal of Addiction Medicine
JF - Journal of Addiction Medicine
SN - 1932-0620
IS - 3
ER -