The Use of Synthetic Cathinones and Tryptamines in a Psychiatric Population

The use of Synthetic Cathinones and Tryptamines in a Psychiatric Population

A new wave of designer drugs is emerging in both emergency room (ER) patients and the community at large. These drugs commonly known and sold as “bath salts” produce toxic effects as well as disturbing psychopathological symptoms. These drugs are a synthetic modification of the naturally occurring alkaloid cathinone, which can be extracted from the leaves of Catha edulis, commonly known as the khat plant. The synthetic cathinones such as methylone; 3, 4 methylendioxyprovalerone (MDPV); mephedrone; and ethylone are commonly sold under various names such as “Ivory Wave”, “Vanilla Sky” and “Bliss”. The tryptamines discussed in this paper are a group of psychedelic substances primarily regarded for their hallucinogenic properties.Commonly known tryptamines include LSD and psilocybin found in magic mushroom. Less commonly know tryptamines such as DMT, AMT and 5MEODiPT are the compounds of interest in this paper.