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Our news & announcements offer up-to-date information important and relative for us to share with you. We update often, so check back frequently. Past news and announcements are available in this archive.
07/06/2009 - Herbal Drug Abuse
The embodiment of prescription drug abuse and dependence apparently strikes again – this time the life it allegedly claimed was Michael Jackson. The coroner’s report is pending the results of toxicology testing. Although the current information is based on rumor and innuendo, the facts support the finding of multiple controlled substances in the home. One of the drugs referred to is propofol (diprivan), an intravenous drug primarily used in the context of general anesthesia and not available by prescription through a pharmacy.
While I have written extensively on prescription drug abuse, an emerging problem that has not received the press it deserves is herbal drug abuse. These substances have a broad spectrum of effects – stimulants, hallucinogens, euphoria-producing, and relief of anxiety. The marketing of these drugs imply that they are safe, legal, and organic, and ignore the potential for abuse, addiction, and serious adverse effects. According to the authors of a paper in Emergency Medical Clinics, teenagers are seeking an alternative “legal high”. Using these substances may also be associated with significant adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, myocardial infarction, and death.
One study identified 28 Web sites comparing the effects of these “supplements” to marijuana, cocaine, speed, ecstacy, and LSD. These products came from domestic and foreign suppliers with little information as to appropriate dosing or safety concerns. Most of these substances will not be detected on routine drug screens.
Examples of substances with stimulant properties are Yohimbe, Betel nut, Ma-huang, and Guarana.
Examples of substances with hallucinogenic properties are Nutmeg, Hawaiian baby woodrose, Jimsonweed, and Morning glory.
This should remind all of us to look at the labels, ask questions, and be sure to share this information with our physicians. While we may not be abusing these substances, the risks for potential side effects and drug interactions cannot be taken for granted.
Remember that a negative drug screen does not mean that drug abuse should not be considered in the face of overt behavioral and/or physical manifestations of drug usage. As physicians, patients, parents, and peers, we cannot underestimate the abuse potential of readily available herbal substances.