Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents HPHC
Published on: May 10, 2016
[Chemsex blamed for serious poisoning and death]
Ossian Gundel1, Mikkel Bjerregaard Bøgeskov2,3, Brian Schou Rasmussen4
1Afdeling for Intensiv Behandling, Center for Kræft og Organsygdomme, Københavns Universitetshospital - Rigshospitalet.
Abstract:
Chemsex refers to the use of psychoactive substances, such as GHB, methamphetamine, and poppers, to enhance sexual experiences, predominantly among men who have sex with men and transgender individuals in LGBT+ communities. The practice is associated with increased risks, including sexually transmitted infections, substance dependence, overdose, and cardiac arrest. We present a fatal case of cardiac arrest following chemsex, where high levels of GHB and methamphetamine were detected. This highlights the severe health consequences and the need for targeted support and harm reduction strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Antidotes
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

