Toxicities Associated With NBOMe Ingestion-A Novel Class of Potent Hallucinogens: A Review of the Literature
Arbelo Cruz, F. A., Correa, A. M., Dekker, M. A., Poklis, A., Poklis, J. L., Suzuki, J., Valenti, E. S.
This meta-analysis (2015, n=20) examined the toxicity of the synthetic serotonergic hallucinogen NBOMe reported in publications that described adverse effects in response to analytically confirmed human ingestion. Severe adverse effects included agitation (85.0%), tachycardia (85.0%), and hypertension (65.0%), and seizures (40.0%) among patients.
Abstract
Objective: A new class of synthetic hallucinogens called NBOMe has emerged as drugs of abuse. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of published reports of toxicities associated with NBOMe ingestion.Methods: We searched the PubMed for relevant English language citations that described adverse effects from analytically confirmed human NBOMe ingestion. Demographic and clinical data were extracted.Results: Ten citations met criteria for inclusion, representing 20 individual patients. 25I-NBOMe was the most common analog identified, followed by 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe. Fatalities were reported in 3 (15%) cases. Seven (35%) were discharged after a period of observation, while 8 (40.0%) required admission to an intensive care unit. The most common adverse effects were agitation (85.0%), tachycardia (85.0%), and hypertension (65.0%). Seizures were reported in 8 (40.0%) patients. The most common laboratory abnormalities were elevated creatine kinase (45.0%), leukocytosis (25.0%), and hyperglycemia (20.0%).Conclusion: NBOMe ingestion is associated with severe adverse effects. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for NBOMe ingestion in patients reporting the recent use of hallucinogens.