Psychosis and Severe Rhabdomyolysis Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid Use

Abstract

Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) or "spice" refers to a variety of herbal/chemical mixtures, which mimic the effects of marijuana. They are generally marked as "herbal incense" and best known by the brand names of "K2," "spice," "aroma," "Mr. Nice Guy" and "dream." Little data are available on the psychopathological and physical effects of SC. We reported on a 23-year-old man without prior psychiatric history who developed acute psychosis and severe rhabdomyolysis (creatine phosphokinase [CPK]: 44,300 UI/L) associated with "Mr. Nice Guy" consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of severe rhabdomyolysis associated with SC use in the U.S. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of new-onset psychotic symptoms and rhabdomyolysis in patients that use SC.