Α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone ("Flakka") Catalyzing Catatonia: A Case Report and Literature Review. Issue 4 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richman, Elon E.; Skoller, Nathan J.; Fokum, Bernice; Burke, Brandi A.; Hickerson, Chelsea A.; Cotes, Robert O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of addiction medicine. Volume 12:Issue 4(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: α-PVP -- α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone -- aripiprazole -- bath salt -- catatonia -- cathinone -- flakka -- novel psychoactive substance -- psychosis -- quetiapine -- synthetic cathinone; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000407
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-0620

Abstract

Abstract : N/A: Synthetic cathinones are a class of novel psychoactive substances. α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP), or "Flakka", is one of these substances. Users often present acutely psychotic or agitated. We present the case of a 20-year-old male without prior psychiatric history who was brought to the hospital by his family because of increasingly bizarre and erratic behavior after reported ingestion of Flakka. What ensued was a prolonged course of psychosis and severe catatonia. Synthetic cathinones are thought to cause catatonia in approximately 1% of cases. Awareness of the possible presentations associated with α-PVP intoxication is increasingly important and should be further explored, as they can have important implications in setting expectations for care. Additionally, providers should have a low threshold for asking patients about bath salt ingestion.