[Mephedrone -- an old-new drug of abuse]. / Egy régi-új kábítószer - a mefedron.

UNLABELLED: New natural and synthetic compounds are continuously introduced into the illicit drug market. Their origin, composition, main and side-effects are often not exactly known by the users themselves. Thus, the control of these substances is extremely difficult. AIMS: In year 2008, a new synthetic drug called mephedrone (2-metilamino-1-(4-metilfenil) propan-1-on) appeared in Hungary. This work summarizes its frequency in biological samples investigated for illicit drugs, and experiences of the medical examination of mephedrone-users. METHODS: Toxicological analyses of biological samples (urine and/or blood) were carried by GC-MS at the Institute of National Toxicology and at Department of Forensic Medicine, University Szeged. RESULTS: Altogether 5386 samples were analyzed in 2010 (4922 in Budapest and 464 in Szeged), and mephedrone was identified in 363 cases (7%). CONCLUSIONS: Mephedrone is banned in Hungary since January 1st, 2011, but it still available in the illegal drug market. At present we do not have sufficient experience with its long-term effects, tolerance, addiction, withdrawal symptoms or toxic dose. Thus, it is difficult to establish whether addiction and/or mental disorder occurred.

The role of licit and illicit drugs in traffic (Hungary 2000-2007).

The authors analyzed the biological samples available in suspected DWI cases between 2000 and 2007. The result of the on-the-spot clinical test is not informative, especially at the simultaneous presence of alcohol. The average age (males 26.92 years, females 27.6 years) of the apprehended drivers is higher than in case of illicit drug users, and male dominance (1652 males--94% and 88 females--6%) is also more expressed. This male-female ratio corresponds to the epidemiological figures of drunken-driving, which may indicate identical driving attitude. Licit or illicit drugs in the urine could be detected in 1293 people out of 1740 (74.31%) whereas in 319 (18.33%) cases there was some substance present in the blood. The occurrence of multiple drug use was high. The use of THC, amphetamine and methamphetamine derivates are the most frequent. An increase in cocaine consumption has been observed for the last few years. The joint use of alcohol and drugs has increased, but the observed blood-alcohol concentrations are much lower than in simple drunken-driving cases. The evaluation of clinical symptoms on its own is not enough to evaluate the effects of drugs, especially when the effect of alcohol is to be considered at the same time.