Abstract
Aims and methodMephedrone is a cathinone with amphetamine-like stimulant effects, and is a commonly used recreational drug. The adverse effects of mephedrone use have not been extensively studied. All individuals who self-presented between January and June 2010 to the emergency departments and acute mental health services in Edinburgh and Falkirk with adverse effects of self-reported mephedrone use were identified.ResultsTwenty cases were identified and analysed. Severe agitation was the most common presenting problem (70%), with 40% of individuals developing psychotic symptoms and a further 20% reporting low mood and suicidality. One person died by suicide.Clinical implicationsMephedrone can produce amphetamine-like adverse psychological intoxication effects, particularly in those with a history of mental illness. Clinicians should consider advising patients on the adverse effects of mephedrone, where relevant.
Highlights
We identified patients presenting between January and June 2010 to the emergency departments or mental health services in Edinburgh and Falkirk with adverse effects of mephedrone use
Twenty cases of mephedrone use associated with adverse psychological sequelae were ascertained from Edinburgh (n = 14) and Falkirk (n = 6) (Table 1; for full details see online Table DS1)
Psychotic symptoms were present in 40% of individuals, with 88% of these reporting either daily or heavy mephedrone use for at least 4 weeks prior to presentation and 75% having had a prior history of mental illness
Summary
Twenty cases of mephedrone use associated with adverse psychological sequelae were ascertained from Edinburgh (n = 14) and Falkirk (n = 6) (Table 1; for full details see online Table DS1). The psychiatric symptoms noted contemporaneously ranged from agitation through to florid psychotic symptoms including auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations as well as paranoid delusions. Five individuals presented with adverse effects following their first use of mephedrone, with the remaining patients reporting regular or heavy use prior to presentation. The most common psychological symptom was agitation, occurring in more than 70% of cases. Psychotic symptoms were present in 40% of individuals, with 88% of these reporting either daily or heavy mephedrone use for at least 4 weeks prior to presentation and 75% having had a prior history of mental illness. Psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress responded in a predictable manner to appropriate pharmacotherapy
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