Intoxications by the dissociative new psychoactive substances diphenidine and methoxphenidine

Abstract

Background. Diphenidine (1-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperidine) and its 2-methoxylated derivative methoxphenidine (MXP, 2-MeO-diphenidine) are substances with dissociative effects that were recently introduced for “recreational” purpose through the online-based sale of new psychoactive substances (NPS). A number of analytically confirmed non-fatal intoxications associated with diphenidine or MXP have occurred in Sweden and were included in the STRIDA project. Study design. Observational case series of consecutive patients with admitted or suspected intake of NPS and requiring intensive treatment in an emergency room and hospitalization in Sweden. Patients and methods. Blood and urine samples were collected from intoxicated patients presenting at emergency departments all over the country. NPS analysis was performed by multi-component liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods. Data on clinical features were collected during telephone consultations with the Poisons Information Centre and retrieved from medical records. Information was also obtained from online drug discussion forums. Case series. Over a 12-month period from January to December 2014, 750 cases of suspected NPS intoxication originating from emergency departments were enrolled in the STRIDA project of which 14 (1.9%) tested positive for diphenidine and 3 (0.4%) tested positive for MXP. Co-exposure to several other NPS (e.g., 5-/6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran, 2-4-bromomethcathinone, butylone, 3,4-dichloromethylphenidate, 5-methoxy-N-isopropyltryptamine, methiopropamine, and α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone), also including other dissociative substances (3-/4-methoxyphencyclidine), and classical drugs of abuse (e.g., cannabis and ethanol) was documented in 87% of these cases. The 17 patients were aged 20–48 (median: 32) years, and 13 (76%) were men. They commonly presented with hypertension (76%), tachycardia (47%), anxiety (65%), and altered mental status (65%) including confusion, disorientation, dissociation, and/or hallucinations. Eight patients (47%) displayed severe intoxication (Poisoning Severity Score 3). The diphenidine- or MXP-positive patients required hospitalization for 1–3 (median: 2) days. In addition to standard supportive therapy, half of the cases were treated with benzodiazepines and/or propofol. Conclusion. The adverse effects noted in analytically confirmed cases of NPS intoxication involving diphenidine or MXP were similar to those reported for other dissociative substances such as ketamine and methoxetamine. However, the high proportion of polysubstance use might have played a role in the intoxication and clinical features in some cases.

Keywords:

• Diphenidine
• Dissociative drugs
• LC–MS
• Legal highs
• Methoxphenidine
• New psychoactive substance
• NMDA receptor antagonist
• Research chemicals
• Severe adverse events
• STRIDA project

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. This work was supported in part by grants from The Public Health Agency of Sweden (1189/2014).