First European case of convulsions related to analytically confirmed use of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist AM-2201

Abstract

This is the first case of convulsions related to the use of SCRA described in Europe, and the first case of convulsions related to the use the SCRA AM-2201 confirmed by analysis of biological samples. It is important for emergency physicians, clinical toxicologists and clinical pharmacologists managing those presenting with acute toxicity related to the use of SCRA to analytically confirm the exact compound(s) involved, to enable accurate description of the acute toxicity associated with individual SCRA.

High Times, Low Sats: Diffuse Pulmonary Infiltrates Associated with Chronic Synthetic Cannabinoid Use

“…The presence of a JWH-018 metabolite in the absence of its parent compound in this case may thus represent AM-2201 use and metabolism rather than the exposure to JWH-018 itself, although this pathway has not previously been reported in vivo. Furthermore, an association between AM-2201 and seizures is very recently emerging: a recent case report from the UK, and anecdotal self-reports from users, both describe seizures following the use of a Spice product containing AM-2201 [26,27]. Considering these newer dispatches, whether our patient presented after a syncopal episode or a brief seizure remains one of many unanswered questions posed by this clinical encounter.…”

Cannabinoids and Epilepsy

“…In the same study, a 60-year-old man with a 40-year history of cannabis usage (6-8 cigarettes per day) developed status epilepticus after cannabis withdrawal [225]. Additionally, synthetic "designer" cannabinoid drugs ("spice" or "K2") induce new-onset seizures, tacharrythmia, and psychosis, often with greater severity and toxicity than cannabis [237][238][239][240][241][242][243][244][245]. The toxicity of these synthetic agents may result from their properties as full agonists of CB 1 R, while Δ9-THC is a partial agonist.…”

A Common Source Outbreak of Severe Delirium Associated with Exposure to the Novel Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-PINACA

“…Reports of cases and outbreaks of unpredicted, severe toxicity have increased as the number of SCs introduced to the market has risen. Seizures are one of the most common unpredictable toxicities reported after SC exposure (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Chest pain and cardiovascular toxicity after SC use have also been reported (11,12).…”