[Synthetic Drugs - An Overview of Important and Newly Emerging Substances]

Background: Synthetic drug use and abuse are on the rise. Governmental institutions report a shift in consumption from natural drugs to synthetic drugs, and show an increase in confiscation, particularly of methamphetamine and newly identified psychoactive substances. In addition, the media report an alarming increase in the rate of consumption and casualties resulting from the use of drugs such as "crystal meth" and warn against a flood of this and other designer drugs from eastern European countries. Objectives: The present article gives an overview of current popular and widely used synthetic drugs, both classical substances (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA) and new psychoactive substances ("designer drugs", "legal highs"). It addresses their pharmacology, effects, side effects, and risks. It furthermore explores newly emerging problems for the health system and clinical practice regarding the treatment of intoxication as well as withdrawal. Methods: The current scientific literature concerning synthetic drugs is summarized and official statistics and reports provided by the government are reviewed. Results: Different derivatives of amphetamine vary in their risk of harm and addictive potential. Methamphetamine, one of the most dangerous derivatives, is increasingly being consumed in certain regions of Germany. New psychoactive substances represent a heterogeneous group of substances. Since the substances are often unknown to the user, they are unpredictable in their effects and side effects.