Bath Salt Abuse: More Than Just Hot Water

Pharmacologic Strategies for Treatment of Poisonings

“…They are sold under various names without their ingredients listed, and are often labeled "not for human consumption." [31][32][33][34] The Drug Enforcement Agency and similar agencies around the world have worked diligently to curtail their availability and abuse. Although most of these drugs or their active ingredients have been listed as Schedule I controlled substances making them illegal in the United States, this has done little to deter the abuse.…”

“…Although most of these drugs or their active ingredients have been listed as Schedule I controlled substances making them illegal in the United States, this has done little to deter the abuse. [31][32][33][34] As with many drugs of abuse, these newer designer drugs are highly addictive. As a result, users develop a tolerance and require increasing dosages each time to get the desired effect.…”

“…This often leads to withdrawal symptoms with abstinence. 31,32 These drugs are often combined with other substances when they are made, exposing users to other harmful substances of which they may be unaware. It is also very common for users to ingest more than one type of drug at a time.…”

“…[31][32][33]35 The active ingredients often include either 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone or 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), which mimic cathinone, a naturally occurring psychostimulant found in the khat plant. [31][32][33][34] Each designer drug has its own unique chemical formulation that changes frequently to avoid legal prosecution and detection by drug tests. 32 Routine drug screens do not detect bath salt compounds.…”

“…[31][32][33][34] Each designer drug has its own unique chemical formulation that changes frequently to avoid legal prosecution and detection by drug tests. 32 Routine drug screens do not detect bath salt compounds. There are some commercial drug detection kits available, but these are rarely available at the bedside and treatment should not be delayed.…”