MT-45: A new, dangerous legal high

Maurizio Coppola, MD; Raffaella Mondola, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2014.0219

Authors

Maurizio Coppola, MD
Raffaella Mondola, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2014.0219

Keywords:

MT-45, smart highs, legal high

Abstract

Epidemiological data confirm that the use of new psychoactive substances is on the rise around the world.1 Numerous reports have described medical emergencies associated with the consumption of unconventional drugs of misuse bought in “head” or “smart” shops or online.1 New psychoactive substances, also referred as “legal highs,” “smart drugs,” or “research chemicals,” are a large group of both plant derivatives and synthetic compounds, also in combination, purposefully designed as legal alternatives to illicit substances of abuse. The most popular and widely-spread new psychoactive substances are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones, however, various different compounds such as amphetamine-like molecules, arylcyclohexylamines, synthetic hallucinogens, prescription drugs and hormones have been found in recreational products marketed as legal highs.1

Author Biographies

Maurizio Coppola, MD

Department of Addiction, ASL CN2, Alba, Italy

Raffaella Mondola, MD

Department of Mental Health, ASL CN1, Saluzzo, Italy

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