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Bonnet U, Scherbaum N, Schaper A, Soyka M. Phenibutan-an Illegal Food Supplement With Psychotropic Effects and Health Risks. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 121:222-227. [PMID: 38377332 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2024.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenibut (β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid) is an analog of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Like abapentin and pregabalin, it inhibits α2-δ-subunits of voltagedependent presynaptic calcium channels. The potential harm resulting from the use of these gabapentinoids is currently a matter of debate. METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search and on cases reported to the Giftinformationszentrum-Nord (GIZ-Nord), a poison information center at the University of Göttingen, Germany. RESULTS Phenibut is a prescription drug in Russia but its production, possession, use, trafficking, or administration is illegal in Germany. The phenibut toxicity syndrome resembles that of gabapentinoids and GABA mimetics: benzodiazepine-like with - drawal symptoms including epileptic seizures, delirium and paradoxical activation have been described, as have cases of abuse and dependence. A few cases of use in the setting of multidrug abuse, and of phenibut-related death, have been described to date in the USA. The GIZ-Nord received 17 inquiries about phenibut, 55 about gabapentin, and 126 about pregabalin over the period 2008-2022. Over the same period, the GIZ-Nord was informed of 1207 cases involving Z substances and 4324 involving benzodiazepines. In the majority of the registered intoxications, including those with phenibut, the symptoms were mild. Overdoses of phenibut (2-100 g) were reported in 15 of the 17 cases; 8 of the persons who had taken an overdose were somnolent. In such cases, observation in intensive care was recommended. Respiratory depression or coma was not encountered in any case, not even in the patient who had taken 100 g of phenibut. CONCLUSION Phenibut causes symptoms resembling those of gabapentinoid and benzodiazepine use. There have been reports of phenibut use in combination with other psychotropic drugs; in particular, its use together with opiates could increase the risk of coma and respiratory depression. No deaths due to phenibut intoxication have been published in Germany or elsewhere in Western Europe, although such cases may have been overlooked, as this drug is still largely unknown to Western medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Castrop-Rauxel; Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; GIZ-Nord Poisons Centre (GIZ-Nord) of the Federal States Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich. P3 Clinic GmbH, Tutzing, Germany
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Bonnet U, Kanti AK, Scherbaum N, Specka M. The Role of Gabapentinoids in the Substance Use Pattern of Adult Germans Seeking Inpatient Detoxification Treatment - A Pilot Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:102-111. [PMID: 35290159 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2050858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To shed more light on the addictive power of the gabapentinoids (GPTs) gabapentin and pregabalin, we performed a structured face-to-face interview with GPT-users about DSM-IV-dependence-criteria (sedatives), consume-motives and cessation-needs. Among 100 patients consecutively admitted to a detoxification-ward, fifteen (15%) reported lifetime GPT-use (18-50 years old, 2 females): seven (7%) used gabapentin, twelve (12%) pregabalin and four had lifetime experiences with both GPTs. Of the seven gabapentin-users, three patients were dependent including one person with a spontaneous remission. Of the 12 pregabalin-users, five were dependent, including two persons with a spontaneous remission. Fourteen of fifteen cases reported GPT-use side-by-side with an opioid-use, mostly for sparing opioids. Twelve GPT-users additionally co-used benzodiazepines. In no case, a GPT was the reason for detoxification treatment or reported to be involved in an emergency event. Altogether, every 7th patient (n = 15) of our inpatient detoxification-seeking sample reported GPT-use including 50% (n = 8) who were dependent. Among them, 35% (3/8) had been already spontaneously remitted. As GPT-users reported no cession-need and the vast majority were primarily affected by co-occurring opioid- and benzodiazepine-addiction, we assume that GPTs more likely played a bystander-role than mediating the addictive behavior of this population with multiple recreational drug use experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg/Essen and Professor, University of Duisburg/Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Kanti
- Resident Physician at the Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg/Essen, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg/Essen and Professor, University of Duisburg/Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- Senior psychologist and researcher in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen and Doctor rerum medicarum of the University of Duisburg/Essen, Essen, Germany
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Kanti AK, Specka M, Scherbaum N, Bonnet U. [Comparative Harm/Benefit Analysis of Various Psychotropic Substances from the Perspective of German Drug Users and Addiction Medicine Experts - A Contribution to Psychoeducation of Substance-Addicted Individuals and Restriction/Legalization Debates]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2022. [PMID: 36522164 DOI: 10.1055/a-1971-9558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, we cannot find any current international comparative study on the assessment of a benefit/harm profile of various licit and illicit psychoactive substances conducted by adult drug users and addiction experts as well. Particularly, there is no study from the German-speaking area of Western Europe. METHODS In addition to the data already published by 101 German addiction medicine experts (published in this journal, [1]), we carried out interviews using a structured questionnaire with 100 German substance dependent users, residing in acute and rehabilitation clinical setting, to evaluate 34 psychoactive substances regarding their health and social harm potential for users and others as well as their potential benefit. RESULTS Both, users and experts estimated traditional illicit drugs, such as heroin, crack/cocaine and methamphetamine, to be particularly harmful. Synthetic cannabinoids, alcohol and benzodiazepines were in the upper midfield, cannabis and psychotropic mushrooms in the lower midfield, and gabapentinoids at the bottom of the harm rankings of both, users and experts. In comparison with the experts, the users estimated methadone and benzodiazepines to be significantly more harmful. In the benefit analysis, users rated traditional illicit drugs including cannabis and psychotropic mushrooms as well as nicotine as significantly more useful than the experts. In contrast to the experts (traditional illicit drugs), the users did not assess any substance as very harmful and very useless at the same time. Only a few users reported to have experiences with opioid analgesics which, however, did not differ between the users´ and experts´ harm/benefit-assessments. Neither users nor experts predicted cannabis-legalization to change the overall risk potential of cannabis. Specific cognitive valuation biases seemed to be prominent in both groups. CONCLUSION This study presents first harm/benefit assessments of psychotropic substances from the perspective of German addiction medicine experts and drug users. The results can be valuable to the psychoeducation of substance-addicted individuals and to current restriction or legalization debates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kristin Kanti
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, (Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen), Castrop-Rauxel, Deutschland
| | - Michael Specka
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Udo Bonnet
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, (Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Duisburg-Essen), Castrop-Rauxel, Deutschland
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Bonnet U, Auwärter V, Scherbaum N. Gabapentinoid-related deaths: An alarming global trend or just a special challenge within the long tail of the giant opioid epidemic? LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 11:100309. [PMID: 36778930 PMCID: PMC9903600 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany,LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Grutholzallee 21, D-44577 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany.
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Bonnet U, Specka M, Kanti AK, Scherbaum N. Differences between users' and addiction medicine experts' harm and benefit assessments of licit and illicit psychoactive drugs: Input for psychoeducation and legalization/restriction debates. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1041762. [PMID: 36465301 PMCID: PMC9709475 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1041762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of benefit/harm assessments of illicit and licit psychoactive substances performed by substance-dependent users in comparison to addiction medicine experts. METHODS We extended the analyses of substance harm/benefit assessments of German addiction medicine experts (N = 101), in parts reported recently in this journal [doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.59219], by the perspectives of substance-addicted persons. The same questionnaire as used for the abovementioned "experts-study" was handed out to inpatient detoxification or rehab treatment seeking German substance-dependent adults (N = 117) for a subsequent structured interview about harms and benefits of 33 new and traditional psychoactive substances comprising also prescription drugs. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Both, users and experts, ranked the traditional illicit psychoactive substances heroin, cocaine and amphetamines within the top overall harm level group. Synthetic cannabinoids, alcohol and benzodiazepine were in a subordinate top-harm level position. Both cohorts also ranked methadone, nicotine and cannabis within the midrange and buprenorphine as well as psychotropic mushrooms within the lowest harm level positions. Experiences with prescription drugs (including opioidergic analgesics and gabapentinoids), cathinones, GHB, methamphetamine and methylphenidate was not prevalent in our user population. The same applied to barbiturates, propofol, kratom, ayahuasca with nearly zero assessments for each substance. The most user-experiences (>50% per assessed substance) were reported with nicotine, cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine and methadone (core group). The user's overall harm ratings in terms of these psychoactive substances were similar to those of the experts with the exception of the methadone assessment which was rated by the experts to be significantly less harmful if compared with the users' estimation (supposed "treatment bias" of experts). The users' benefit ratings for the traditional illicit psychoactive substances, cannabis as well as for nicotine were significantly more positive in comparison to those of the experts (supposed "attraction bias" of users). Both, experts and users, ranked the harms arising from the use of alcohol or benzodiazepines (usually unregulated substances) higher than the harms caused by the use of methadone, cannabis or psychotropic mushrooms (regulated by most Western narcotic acts). Users attributed the most benefits to buprenorphine, methadone and cannabis. This might reflect a main limitation of the study as the data are from an user population comprising over 50% patients who sought detoxification-treatment of opiates where methadone and buprenorphine are usual transient medications (supposed "selection bias"). CONCLUSION This study addressed current trends of psychoactive substance abuse (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, prescription drugs) and provides from both perspectives (that of the user and that of the addiction medicine experts) robust harm/benefit evaluations at least of a core group of psychoactive substances (traditional illicit psychoactive substances, cannabis, methadone, alcohol and nicotine). The results of this study can be valuable to the psychoeducation of substance-addicted individuals and to current restriction/legalization debates, especially in the Western-EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany - Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Kanti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany - Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LVR-Hospital Essen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Brennan R, Wazaify M, Shawabkeh H, Boardley I, McVeigh J, Van Hout MC. A Scoping Review of Non-Medical and Extra-Medical Use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Drug Saf 2021; 44:917-928. [PMID: 34331260 PMCID: PMC8370940 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-021-01085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used medications worldwide and have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although NSAIDs are recognised as generally safe and effective, non-medical and extra-medical use of these products can occur. Unlike the use of illegal and many prescription drugs, which are subject to extensive research attention, inappropriate use of NSAIDs has been less well investigated. This scoping review collates and describes what is known regarding non-medical and extra-medical use of NSAIDs. In total, 72 studies were included in this scoping review. Three themes emerged from the review: (1) indicative profile of people who engage in non-medical or extra-medical use of NSAIDs; (2) antecedents for non-medical or extra-medical use; and (3) adverse health effects of non-medical and extra-medical use of NSAIDs. The review concluded that there is a need for enhanced patient education, including among sports people; pharmacovigilance in terms of clinician recognition of aberrance; and prescriber and pharmacist awareness of the potential for extra-medical and non-medical use and the related health harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Brennan
- School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Mayyada Wazaify
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Haneen Shawabkeh
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ian Boardley
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jim McVeigh
- Substance Use & Associated Behaviours, Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Marie Claire Van Hout
- Faculty of Health, Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moore's University, Liverpool, UK
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Evoy KE, Sadrameli S, Contreras J, Covvey JR, Peckham AM. Authors' Reply to Bonnet et al. "Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin: A Systematic Review Update". Drugs 2021; 81:615-617. [PMID: 33738758 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirk E Evoy
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 6220, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA. .,University Health System, San Antonio, TX, USA. .,The University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Medicine, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 6220, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Sarvnaz Sadrameli
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 6220, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,University Health System, San Antonio, TX, USA.,University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jillian Contreras
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., MC 6220, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,University Health System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jordan R Covvey
- School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, 418D Mellon Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Alyssa M Peckham
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, 140 The Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Bonnet U, McAnally H, Scherbaum N. Comment on "Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin: A Systematic Review Update". Drugs 2021; 81:611-614. [PMID: 33738757 PMCID: PMC8052227 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg/Essen, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Heath McAnally
- Northern Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, LLC, Eagle River, AK, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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