TPR Podcast Episode #10: Synthetic cannabinoids, “Crazy Monkey,” and a man and his dog

Episode #10: The Rise of Synthetic Cannabinoids…and Crazy Monkeys Written by Theresa Kim, M.D.   Highlights According to reports from the CDC, an increasing number of calls to poison centers for synthetic cannabinoid exposure has been noted on a local as well as national level A report in the Morbidity and Morality Weekly (MMWR) published June 2015 cites a 330% increase monthly incidence nationwide from January 2015 to April 2015 A report in the MMWR published April 2015 cites 721 suspected cases including 9 deaths at the Mississippi Control Center from April 2 to May 3 Most commonly reported adverse effects Tachycardia, hypertension, violent and aggressive behavior, confusion, a mixture of agitation/aggression/and decreased mental status Presentation of a case report of a 10-month-old female requiring intubation for severely depressed mental status after exposure to AB-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid Presentation of a pediatric case series of 8 patients aged 15-18 years old with concern for myocardial ischemia after exposure to synthetic cannabinoids, on the basis of EKG changes and/or elevated troponin Cardiovascular effects of synthetic cannabinoids are mediated through CB1, and CB2 receptors EKG changes ranged from: ST changes and TWI in a coronary distribution, bradycardia, tachycardia, LVH, ST or T wave flattening 2/8 patients had positive troponins at .16, and .39 ng/ml 6/8 patients had echocardiograms done which were completely normal Presentation of...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Podcast Source Type: news