Whippits are a recreational substance that is used worldwide. Sometimes they are referred to as “whippet” or “whip-its.” They may cause permanent neurological and cognitive damage with repeated use. Tweens and teens are particularly vulnerable and are among the largest whippit consumers. Whippits are different from the nitrous oxide blends…
It began with prescription pain medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, then it was heroin followed by fentanyl. Now we’re at the beginning of the next wave of the opioid addiction evolution: 7-OH and other synthetic products. The Missouri Poison Center has been receiving an increasing number of calls about…
Many mental health medications walk the line between helping those who need them and harming those who don’t. Benzodiazepines pose a risk of addiction, withdrawal, and misuse, but when taken appropriately, they reduce anxiety, can aid sleep, and help with symptoms of seizures. It’s important to know the facts about…
The war on drugs began in many of our lifetimes. "Magic mushrooms," or mushrooms containing the psychedelic chemical psilocybin, continue to be surrounded by the negative stigma garnered back in the 1960s. As new research emerges suggesting the potential for psychedelics to treat a variety of mental ailments, will we…
What is moonshine? Moonshine is a type of alcohol that has roots in illegal sales and production, but may be legally distilled today depending on location. Improper home distillation may produce methanol, which is dangerous to consume. Modern day moonshine is categorized as unaged whiskey usually with a base of…
We’ve all seen the little dietary supplements at gas stations: the ones that are supposed to give you energy while driving or improve your immune system. But some dietary supplements aren’t what they seem. Clever packaging allows drugs that elicit mood-altering responses to hide amidst the gas station shelves. What…
What is ketamine? Ketamine is an anesthetic with high therapeutic and misuse potential. It may produce psychedelic effects at certain doses. It’s used to induce anesthesia, aid treatment-resistant depression, pain management, and treat addiction. Ketamine targets the NMDA receptor in the brain, which is responsible for things like memory and…
What is Apetamin? Apetamin is a syrup or tablet marketed as a non-surgical, figure-enhancing supplement. Its main ingredient is cyproheptadine, an antihistamine that increases the appetite but is dangerous in high doses. Taking too much cyproheptadine may result in liver damage, extreme drowsiness, delirium, or seizures. Why do people take…
The wide-ranging presence of opioids is a complex issue in the United States. Treating overdoses presents problems on various levels, from gaining access to naloxone— an opioid reversal medication— to being equipped to administer it if necessary. Narcan® Nasal Spray is one of several over-the-counter naloxone nasal sprays that streamlines…
"Open the Flood Gates" Since legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Missouri (11/8/22) and start of licensed sales (2/3/23), more Missourians have ready access to a wide variety of cannabis products. These legally-sold marijuana and marijuana-infused products are subject to "seed to sale" state regulations, including mandated 3rd-party lab…