A snapshot of novel psychoactive substances (legal highs) use in London. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norman, Claire; Lee, Geraldine A.
• Is Part Of: International emergency nursing. Volume 35(2017)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Emergency nursing -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2017.06.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-599X

Abstract

Highlights: There has been an increase in the use of 'legal highs' including synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. Symptoms of legal high ingestion include seizures, unconsciousness, shortness of breath, vomiting, aggression, paranoia, palpitations, agitation and foaming at the mouth. In terms of emergency care, users were three times more likely to end up seeking emergency medical treatment with NPS than traditional drugs. A retrospective study identified 34 cases and of these, fourteen cases had confirmed NPS use, with clinical presentations including respiratory arrest (n = 1), actively fitting (n = 5) and unresponsive (n = 4).