New psychoactive substances and the risks of consumption in children and adolescents
Romanian Journal of Pediatrics December 31, 2019 Viorela Nitescu 4 citations
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are narcotic or psychotropic drugs not controlled by UN conventions but posing health threats similar to illicit substances. Four main classes are described: synthetic cannabinoids (plant mixtures mimicking THC, causing agitation, nausea, palpitations), synthetic cathinones (bath salt powders with amphetamine-like effects), natural hallucinogens (altering perception and mood, rarely producing true hallucinations; examples include salvinorin A, psilocybin, psilocyn, muscimol, ibotenic acid), and piperazines (tablets or capsules with weaker amphetamine-like effects). Both occasional acute intoxication and chronic consumption of NPS represent a significant health problem, especially among adolescents and young people.