When looking for a bath salt, it is important to choose one that is crystalline and made of natural ingredients. Bath salts come in a rainbow of colours, and choosing the right one depends on the effect you are seeking. Cool hues are soothing, whereas warm hues energise. The grain size of bath salt can also play a part in the benefit. The finer the grain, the better it is for your skin.
Synthetic cathinone
Synthetic cathinones have been synthesized since the 1920s and share many of the same properties as their natural counterparts. In fact, the term “cathinone” only appeared about 40 years ago, and more recently as a designer drug. But the use of synthetic cathinones has surged in recent years, spreading from their origin in France to the US and Great Britain. Toxicological centers in the US reported reports of poisoning by medicines sold as PEA derivatives.
DEA reports have suggested that bath salt use is growing in popularity. In Europe, reports of seizures of illicit MDPV began in 2007, in Germany. Later, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel banned the drug from the market. In 2015, authorities reported on an illicit use of a new type of cathinone, called “flakka,” which can cause a delusional state in users. Although there are still many concerns about the addictive potential of synthetic cathinone, it remains a controversial substance.
Natural cathinones are naturally occurring substances that can be found in plants. Khat leaves, for example, are chewed or brewed for their mild stimulant and euphoric effects. However, the predominant active compound is beta-keto amphetamine. In the 1960s, the first synthetic cathinone compound was isolated. However, the drug was taken off the market because of its toxicity, leading to a significant increase in abuse. As of 2011, the number of ER visits related to synthetic cathinone abuse has increased.
Acute synthetic cathinone overdose may produce similar symptoms as amphetamine intoxication. The most distinguishable characteristic of an overdose is its prolonged duration of action, often lasting days or weeks. This prolongation in the onset of the effects can cause the patient to experience severe neurological symptoms. Typical amphetamines are associated with seizures and psychosis. Symptoms are typically more intense in amphetamine-overdose patients.
Mephedrone
The ingredient mephedrone in bath salt is a synthetic stimulant with similar effects to cocaine and methamphetamines. Its high levels of dopamine in the brain are linked to reward-seeking behavior. However, this effect does not translate into addiction in humans. While mephedrone has no medicinal value, it is widely available in bath salts. This article aims to explain how mephedrone in bath salts works and why it’s dangerous.
Mephedrone in bath salts has similar effects to MDMA in laboratory animals, but is not as potent. Both drugs cause excessive brain heating and can even make you binge more than ecstasy users. In addition, the drug can affect serotonin levels. Therefore, if you’re wondering about the safety of bath salts, here are the things you need to know.
Mephedrone is a synthetic cathinone that is found in many bath salts. Its effects are mostly stimulatory, and its high levels of energy and motivation can make you feel incredibly happy. Typical mephedrone effects in humans include improved alertness, euphoria, a decreased appetite, mild sexual stimulation, and reduced blood pressure. However, it’s important to remember that mephedrone can be dangerous if consumed in high dosages.
Mephedrone, a synthetic drug that acts on the brain’s reward circuits, is a psychoactive substance and could be as addictive as cocaine. Mephedrone, along with other legal highs, were introduced to the UK as legal bath salts in 2010 but quickly banned after warnings were issued. The Home Office’s response was to make the drug illegal because of its addictive properties.
MDPV
MDPV is a stimulant from the cathinone class and a psychoactive drug. It is usually combined with alcohol, GHB, cannabis, or other drugs to create desired effects. Among these effects are euphoria, talkativeness, and sexual arousal. MDPV bath salts are widely available on the internet, street, and in tattoo parlors. The average price of a 50-milligram packet of MDPV is $25-$50.
While MDPV and its ‘chemical cousins’ have not undergone formal testing by the FDA, the effects of their use are largely anecdotal. However, some reports from local emergency rooms, the American Association of Poison Control Center, and the 2010 National Poison Data System show that MDPV bath salt users have suffered symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia and other disorders. However, the effects of bath salt use are difficult to predict, which makes further research essential.
The main goal of any toxicological study of MDPV is to identify the different metabolites of the drug. To do this, the researchers should look for a broad range of metabolites and conduct the tests using the most sensitive methods available. In addition, the biotransformation study was conducted on a very small sample size, which may have contributed to low concentrations and the lack of metabolites. This type of research is crucial for the future of MDPV.
While the mechanism of action of MDPV is unclear, it has similar effects to amphetamines. These drugs affect dopaminergic pathways. In fact, MDPV inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. Animal studies support the dopaminergic mechanism of action. However, despite the lack of data in humans, MDPV bath salt is a potentially dangerous drug. And it is not the only psychoactive substance.
Alpha-PVP
Several reports on alpha-PVP have led to the drug’s controversial reputation. Some users claim to experience bizarre behavior; others report heightened focus and euphoria. While some users report tingling or elation, most report elation, a sense of elation, and a rush of energy similar to cocaine or methamphetamine. But there are some warnings.
One case in particular was disturbing. In a Finnish man in his sixties, a friend injected a-PVP into his neck. While this was intended for the left external jugular vein, several injections were required. Consequently, he developed a pronounced a-PVP alert after the first week. Despite the negative consequences, however, this case was not related to ‘bath salt abuse’ per se.
Another case of alpha-PVP using people is in Broward County, Florida, where 63 people died from the drug. Since alpha-PVP was banned by the Chinese government in October 2015, the drug’s popularity has waned. Meanwhile, synthetic cathinones are largely responsible for the drug’s lack of negative effects. The DEA’s temporary ban on alpha-PVP in the US has led to a significant surge in online searches and media frenzy.
Although Alpha-PVP and flakka may look similar, they are different substances. The two were developed from similar precursor substances. Some of the strange crimes associated with both drugs could be the result of pre-existing mental illnesses and polydrug use. While these are undoubtedly dangerous, the fact that they’re so common in America is enough to justify further research on the risks they pose for individuals and communities. So, be aware of Alpha-PVP bath salts.
Synthetic mephedrone
Mephedrone is a synthetic cathinone, or a chemical that mimics the effects of ecstasy and heroin. When used by itself, mephedrone is not dangerous, but in high doses, it can lead to hyperthermia, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Methylone is even more dangerous because it causes paranoia.
Mephedrone is a popular synthetic cathinone in the EU. It is described as a white, crystalline powder. Users can take it in a variety of ways, including intramuscularly or through injection. The UK Poisons Information Service receives almost no inquiries about mephedrone before 2009.
The most common adverse effects are cardiac, psychiatric, and neurological, and can range from mild agitation to severe psychosis and require chemical restraint. In one case, mephedrone was the main cause of death. In another, a 49-year-old woman with chest pain and vomiting experienced a fatal overdose and was subsequently diagnosed with atherosclerotic disease and cardiac fibrosis.
Mephedrone was first discovered in Germany as a recreational drug in 2007. Using it recreationally became illegal in the U.S. in 2008, and a few years later, it was banned in Denmark. In the UK, MDPV was made a controlled substance and was banned in Denmark in 2009. Australia, Germany, and Finland all followed suit. However, in Germany, the drug was found in an anti-stress product called “Cosmic Blast.”
A recent study found mephedrone to be highly addictive in over 1,500 people. However, despite its addictive nature, only a small number of individuals were able to complete a full study of the substance. One telephone survey of 100 mephedrone users showed that nearly half reported continuous use for more than 48 hours, while 30% had a higher tolerance and continued using despite problems. One fifth of those interviewed were able to stop taking it because of concerns from friends and family.