Illicit bath salts: not for bathing
Kyle, P.B.; Iverson, R.B.; Gajagowni, R.G.; Spencer, L.
Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association 52(12): 375-377
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-6396 PMID: 22329114 Document Number: 655676
There has been an increase in the popularity of designer drugs known as "Bath Salts" in the United States. These products commonly contain mephedrone, mephylone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), or other cathinone derivatives with psychoactive properties similar to amphetamine and cocaine. Although recently outlawed, abuse of these products continues to occur in Mississippi. We report a 19-year-old male who presented with paranoia and auditory as well as visual hallucinations. Auditory effects included voices that prompted him to kill people. The patient displayed anxiety, paranoia, and exhibited repeated bouts of inappropriate laughter. Urine toxicology analysis via GC/ MS detected MDPV, a compound structurally similar to methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Clinicians should be aware that these designer drugs are not detected with common immunoassay drug screens. Symptoms most commonly associated with these substances include tachycardia, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Psychosis, self harm, and death have been associated with some cases.