Synthetic drug

Synthetic drugs are substances that have been artificially modified from naturally occurring drugs and that can produce both therapeutic and psychoactive effects. In medical settings some of them have psychotropic effects that can treat insomnia, but few clinical trials and human studies exist, so the pharmacology and effects of most are not well understood, and misuse can be fatal. Substances chosen for their psychoactive effect are known as new psychoactive substances. They are made by altering the structure of an original drug so that they imitate illicit substances and can reach the market without being easily detected, and their uncertain toxicity puts public health at risk. They are monitored through the Early Warning System. The major categories are synthetic stimulants, synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic depressants, with phenethylamines, cannabinoids and benzodiazepines as common examples, acting on receptors such as the cannabinoid, dopamine and serotonin receptors. This is a description of the category, not medical advice.