Spanish Association Internal medicine SEMI warned on Thursday that synthetic drugs, manufactured artificially, have a much more variable composition than those made from natural substances, which is why they lead to unpredictable effects such as suffering from a coma. It happens … This is evident in the session “Major Synthetic Drugs and Derivative Syndromes”, which will be held at its forty-sixth conference until next Friday in Cordoba.
One of the participants is a doctor Sarah Carrascosa “Synthetic drugs are, by definition, those that have been manufactured artificially, with the aim of imitating or It improves Effects of other substances.
He added: “In fact, its composition is more diverse and its effects are more unpredictable. Moreover, it is subject to constant changes in its formulation, in order to avoid Restrictions. Therefore, in concept, it has nothing to do with natural substances that are used as illicit drugs.
In the same vein, the doctor Marinho Fernandez Campero“These synthetic drugs are those that are obtained through artificial synthesis, from precursors,” he stressed, from the Medical Service of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela. unnatural».
“They could be psychotropic compounds or Drugs Known, chemically modified or new compounds with effects similar to those of other illicit drugs. Like conventional ones, they have effects on different neuronal signaling systems (dopamine, serotonergic, noradrenaline, opioids), and at different levels.”
Early signs or symptoms that can alert family or friends that a person is using drugs are changes in behavior, e.g IrritabilityEuphoria, sleep disturbances, and changes in relationships, which may lead to pathological consumption in general.
In this sense, Dr. Fernández Campero warned that “consumption in itself is not a disease and therefore has no symptoms. In the context of consumption disorder or Dependency syndrome Changes in social, relationship, or work functioning are often noted.
In the short term, synthetic drugs can cause irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and risk of ischemic heart disease or accidents. Cerebral blood vesselsAlthough it varies depending on the substance and dose consumed.
Effects
Effects on the nervous system vary, although symptoms of agitation, spasms, or convulsions are most common. coma. The main syndromes or disorders that develop with prolonged consumption depend on the type of substance, method of administration and time of use. “Although the long-term effect is not well known, in some cases there may be neurological symptoms, Psychological Or cardiovascular problems,” Dr. Carrascosa reported.
“Most of these substances can only slightly affect the brain. heart and Liver. In its most serious form, Dr. Fernandez Campero noted acute liver failure, arrhythmia or coronary syndromes and acute encephalopathy.
“The consumer profile has evolved with the increase in the number of synthetic drugs that are generally obtainable Internet. Dr. Carrascosa explained that more and more users in adolescence or consumption are linked to sexual practices.
There are no specific antidotes or drug treatments that deal with synthetic drugs.
The expert also pointed out that “treatment of acute poisoning focuses on stabilizing the patient’s condition, given the lack of a specific antidote or… Pharmaceutical treatments. With regard to smoking cessation and rehabilitation, the approach must be multidisciplinary, without forgetting psychological support and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Synthetic drugs generally have a lower epidemiological and clinical impact than other conventional drugs e.g Cocaine Or opioids. “As a result, there are no antidotes for acute poisoning and no established treatments for dependence syndromes associated with any of these substances. Treating rare disorders caused by the use of these drugs requires a multimodal, case-by-case approach,” says Dr. Fernandez Campero.