Pharmacology And Toxicology Of Amphetamine And Related Designer Drugs

Finally - a book that covers all aspects of the illicit use of cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy and/or designer drugs such as GHB, written by two experts in their field. The use of these drugs remains a continuous threat in health and medical care delivery, and this book will be an essential asset to the physician who may have to face the evaluation of patients whose use of these drugs compromises an effective treatment plan for other health issues. The book has been conceived to fill the void in existing physician reference materials, and provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical knowledge and scope of pharmacotherapy in individuals who are hooked on a psychoactive substance. While detailed scientific information is obtainable in other major articles, the book's straightforward format and style, along with its illustrations, will make for easy reading as emphasis is put on information specifically related to drugs that occur most abused in today’s society. The information provided is based on clinical practice rather than pure experimental data, which will give the physician more effective tools useful in their daily practice. Many mechanisms of action of abuse are described in detail and references are provided to direct the reader to further sources for additional information. As a special feature, the book incorporates uncluttered tables and charts, which result in immediate clarification of the mode of action on the central nervous system and the reason for misuse, thus avoiding usual long and fatiguing text in common reference books. The book aims to give the reader a clear and concise plan on what to do when being faced with an overdose situation. A well-organized Table of Contents rapidly leads the reader from general pharmacological issues to the specific overdose syndrome and its management. Additionally, significant emphasis is placed on the practical do's and don’ts for physicians, with special reference to the predictive signs of aberrant drug-related behavior and the identification of the drug diverter by using urine drug screening.

A comprehensive review of the chemical, clinical, pharmaco-logical, medical and social aspects of the chemicals that are widely abused is presented in this highly informative publication. The contributing authors represent expertise in clinical medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, social work and psychiatry. The scientific discussion, phar-

A title in the Emerging Issues in Analytical Chemistry series, Designer Drugs: Chemistry, Analysis, Regulation, Toxicology, Epidemiology & Legislation of New Psychoactive Substances presents both an overview and a guide to techniques for designer drug analysis. Proliferation of the synthesis and use of designer drugs is a serious public health problem with social, economic, and legal implications. Whether abuse is studied at the population level or the individual level, researchers need both background and highly detailed technical information on specific drugs and drug classes in order to combat the proliferation and highly damaging consequences of these substances. Author Roy Gerona provides a comprehensive discussion that emphasizes the potential threat to society, presents the ongoing challenges confronting the various laboratory approaches to detection and identification of new chemical entities, and informs the development of improved analytical solutions for use in legislation, law enforcement, and treatment. Designer Drugs: Chemistry, Analysis, Regulation, Toxicology, Epidemiology & Legislation of New Psychoactive Substances offers an introduction to the field and a source of information on specific drugs, drug effects, and analytical tools to a wide audience for anyone studying or engaging in designer drug analysis. Analytical and medical chemists, pharmacologist, toxicologists, and students, researchers, and policy makers in the fields of drug abuse, medicine, public health, and forensics will greatly benefit from this essential text. Summarizes available literature and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of analytical methods for detecting and identifying designer drugs Directs the reader to sources of further reading at the conclusion of each chapter Emphasizes the potential threat to society Presents ongoing challenges confronting various laboratory approaches to detection and identification of new chemical entities

A comprehensive review of the chemical, clinical, pharmaco-logical, medical and social aspects of the chemicals that are widely abused is presented in this highly informative publication. The contributing authors represent expertise in clinical medicine, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, social work and psychiatry. The scientific discussion, phar-macokinetic, pharmacological, and analytical, is well tied to the behavioral aspects of substances of abuse, making this a unique publication. Forensic scientists, health care practitioners, sporting officials, social workers, and psy-chologists will find this book of great interest.