Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

What are bath salts and why are they dangerous?

Roy Michael Stefanik, DO
Meds
July 5, 2012
117 Shares
Share
Tweet
Share

Bath salts are a relatively new group of designer drugs sold as tablets, capsules, or powder and purchased in places such as tobacco and convenience stores, gas stations, head shops, and the Internet.

They are stimulants that mimic cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), methamphetamine, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy). According to a recent article in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, the most common bath salts are MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone. These drugs cause intense stimulation, euphoria, elevated mood, and a reportedly pleasurable “rush.” Increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain, hallucinations, paranoia, erratic behavior, inattention, lack of memory of substance use, and psychosis have been observed in those who have used bath salts.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently exercised an emergency authority to name three key ingredients in bath salts as Schedule I, thereby making them illegal to possess or sell in the United States. Part of the appeal of using bath salts is the current difficulty in picking up its use on routine drug screens.

MDPV is a phenethylamine and a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant with hallucinogenic effects. A similar form of the drug, pyrovalerone, was developed in the 1960’s in the US to treat chronic fatigue syndrome but was rejected due to problems with abuse and dependency. Oral, nasal, sublingual, rectal, intravenous, and intramuscular use have been reported. A dose usually has an effect of about 2 to 3 hours. Users reportedly experience feelings of stimulation, euphoria, empathy, and being more aware of their senses. Physical manifestations include an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating. More distressing side effects include prolonged and intense panic attacks as well as psychosis, which may last up to 8 hours after use. There is a high risk of toxicity, dependence, and withdrawal.

Mephedrone is also in the phenethylamine category and is a CNS stimulant that can cause hallucinations and agitation. Users will ingest the capsules, dissolve it in water, snort it, or use it rectally (known as bombing). Effects begin within 45 minutes of use. Side effects include nausea, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, chest pain, irritability, dizziness, nosebleeds, and delusions. It has also been associated with impaired impulse control and violent behavior.

Methylone is a stimulant in the phenethylamine class with properties very similar to ecstasy. It is a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. After oral, nasal, or rectal use, effects occur within 20 minutes and last about 2 hours. Users report euphoria, a sense of well-being, and increased perception of sensory stimuli. It can cause a racing heart, elevated temperature, pupil dilation, jaw clenching, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and paranoia. Both this and mephedrone have been found to be highly addictive.

Bath salts have been packaged and labeled as “plant food” or “not for human consumption,” and product labels do not list the ingredients. Names include Vanilla Sky, Ivory Wave, plant fertilizer, Cloud 9, m-CAT, Mad Cow, and M1. The Internet is replete with stories of its use, including out-of-control violence, hallucinations, and even sensationalized reports of cannibalism and murder/suicide. Treatment usually starts with Ativan, followed by the use of antipsychotics such as Risperdal or Haldol if unresponsive to Ativan.

Its recent surge represents a disturbing trend in the use of these drugs associated with violent acts. States are trying to pass individual laws to prohibit its use. Creating standardized methods of identification in users is necessary to create an effective means of stopping or controlling its distribution, and hopefully providing treatment for those unfortunate enough to experience its effects.

Roy Michael Stefanik is a psychiatrist who blogs at Fairfax Mental Health.

Prev

The functional and professional necessity of detachment

July 5, 2012 Kevin 7
…
Next

Requiring ID to buy Plan B is ludicrous

July 6, 2012 Kevin 3
…

Tagged as: Medications, Psychiatry

Post navigation

< Previous Post
The functional and professional necessity of detachment
Next Post >
Requiring ID to buy Plan B is ludicrous

More by Roy Michael Stefanik, DO

  • a desk with keyboard and ipad with the kevinmd logo

    The difference between a child psychologist and child psychiatrist

    Roy Michael Stefanik, DO

More in Meds

  • Telemedicine in the opioid crisis: a game-changer threatened by DEA regulations

    Julie Craig, MD
  • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

    Richard A. Lawhern, PhD
  • Can personalized medicine live up to its hype in health care?

    Ketan Desai, MD, PhD
  • The effects of the nationwide stimulant shortage on a private psychiatry practice

    Christine Tran-Boynes, DO
  • Why North American medical cannabis can’t compete globally

    Michael Sassano
  • How were we duped and what can we do about the opioid overdose crisis?

    Ronald A. Zent, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • What is driving physicians to the edge of despair?

      Edward T. Creagan, MD | Physician
    • The untold struggles patients face with resident doctors

      Denise Reich | Conditions
    • The psychoanalytic hammer: lessons in listening and patient-centered care

      Greg Smith, MD | Conditions
    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Revolutionizing COPD management with virtual care solutions [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
  • Past 6 Months

    • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
    • The fight for reproductive health: Why medication abortion matters

      Catherine Hennessey, MD | Physician
    • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

      Helen Kim, MD | Policy
    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • Resetting the doctor-patient relationship: Navigating the challenges of modern primary care

      Jeffrey H. Millstein, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Tom Brady’s legacy and the importance of personal integrity in end-of-life choices

      Kevin Haselhorst, MD | Physician
    • The hidden truths of hospital life: What doctors wish you knew

      Emily Stanford, DO | Physician
    • 10 commandments of ethical affiliate marketing for physicians

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Amy Bissada, DO | Finance
    • The heart of a Desi doctor: Balancing emotions and resources in oncology

      Dr. Damane Zehra | Physician
    • Safe sex for seniors: Dispelling myths and embracing safe practices [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

View 3 Comments >

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

CME Spotlights

From MedPage Today

Latest News

  • Journal Shows Its Commitment to Exploring AI in Medicine
  • Do Away With 'Lockout' Period in iPLEDGE, FDA Advisors Urge
  • Cluster Headache, Migraine Linked to Circadian System
  • Smaller Liver Transplant Candidates Wait Longer, Less Likely to Receive Organ
  • A 'Double Whammy' for Gastric Cancer Risk

Meeting Coverage

  • Oral Roflumilast Effective in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis
  • Phase III Trials 'Hit a Home Run' in Advanced Endometrial Cancer
  • Cannabis Use Common in Post-Surgery Patients on Opioid Tapering
  • Less Abuse With Extended-Release Oxycodone, Poison Center Data Suggest
  • Novel Strategies Show Winning Potential in Ovarian Cancer
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • What is driving physicians to the edge of despair?

      Edward T. Creagan, MD | Physician
    • The untold struggles patients face with resident doctors

      Denise Reich | Conditions
    • The psychoanalytic hammer: lessons in listening and patient-centered care

      Greg Smith, MD | Conditions
    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Revolutionizing COPD management with virtual care solutions [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
  • Past 6 Months

    • The real cause of America’s opioid crisis: Doctors are not to blame

      Richard A. Lawhern, PhD | Meds
    • The fight for reproductive health: Why medication abortion matters

      Catherine Hennessey, MD | Physician
    • The vital importance of climate change education in medical schools

      Helen Kim, MD | Policy
    • Nobody wants this job. Should physicians stick around?

      Katie Klingberg, MD | Physician
    • It’s time for C-suite to contract directly with physicians for part-time work

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Corinne Sundar Rao, MD | Physician
    • Resetting the doctor-patient relationship: Navigating the challenges of modern primary care

      Jeffrey H. Millstein, MD | Physician
  • Recent Posts

    • Breaking free from a toxic relationship with medicine [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Tom Brady’s legacy and the importance of personal integrity in end-of-life choices

      Kevin Haselhorst, MD | Physician
    • The hidden truths of hospital life: What doctors wish you knew

      Emily Stanford, DO | Physician
    • 10 commandments of ethical affiliate marketing for physicians

      Aaron Morgenstein, MD & Amy Bissada, DO | Finance
    • The heart of a Desi doctor: Balancing emotions and resources in oncology

      Dr. Damane Zehra | Physician
    • Safe sex for seniors: Dispelling myths and embracing safe practices [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today iMedicalApps
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

What are bath salts and why are they dangerous?
3 comments

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...