Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefania Chiappini, Alessio Mosca, Andrea Miuli, Francesco Maria Semeraro, Gianluca Mancusi, Maria Chiara Santovito, Francesco Di Carlo, Mauro Pettorruso, Amira Guirguis, John Martin Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano, Massimo Di Giannantonio
Summary: This study reviewed the misuse of centrally acting anticholinergics, highlighting its widespread and popular nature. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant and monitor potential misusing issues due to the associated adverse effects.
Review
Psychiatry
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, Andrea Miuli, Alessio Mosca, Maria Chiara Santovito, John M. Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Mauro Pettorruso, Massimo Di Giannantonio, Giovanni Martinotti
Summary: This study analyzed published clinical data on over-the-counter (OTC) drug misuse, finding that the issue is widespread and popular worldwide, with vulnerable populations including adolescents and young adults. However, the true prevalence rates remain unknown due to a lack of appropriate monitoring systems. Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant and proactive in developing and implementing preventive measures for OTC misuse.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Amira Guirguis, John M. Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Daniel R. Harris, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: Over the past twenty years, the consumption of opioids has led to increased drug misuse, abuse, dependence, and fatalities. This study analyzed pharmacovigilance datasets to identify and describe issues related to abuse, misuse, and dependence of prescription opioids. The findings showed that fentanyl and oxycodone were most commonly associated with abuse, while tramadol and oxycodone were strongly associated with drug dependence and withdrawal. Commonly reported concomitant drugs included benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and recreational drugs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annagiulia Di Trana, Diletta Berardinelli, Eva Montanari, Paolo Berretta, Giuseppe Basile, Marilyn A. Huestis, Francesco Paolo Busardo
Summary: Adulteration is a common practice in drug production, where active ingredients are intentionally added to alter drug effects and increase profits. The types of adulterants used vary over time. Constant monitoring of adulterants is crucial to protect drug consumers' health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Akhil Anand, Avinash Hosanagar
Summary: Prescription drug misuse is a public health concern, and evidence suggests that it also occurs in veterinary settings. Despite analgesics being the most common diverted drug class, recent studies show that veterinarian opioid prescribing rates are increasing. This issue is likely underestimated and warrants further investigation to better understand and address prescription drug misuse in veterinary practices.
CURRENT PSYCHIATRY REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Michal Ordak, Aleksandra Zmyslowska, Milosz Bielski, Daniel Rybak, Maja Tomaszewska, Katarzyna Wyszomierska, Aleksandra Kmiec, Natalia Garlicka, Maria Zalewska, Michal Zalewski, Tadeusz Nasierowski, Elzbieta Muszynska, Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrozny
Summary: This study reviewed 51 case reports of NPS use between 2010 and 2019, showing that most cases involved synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. The primary pharmacotherapy used was benzodiazepines, with some patients also receiving neuroleptics and muscle relaxants.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Simona Zaami, Silvia Graziano, Roberta Tittarelli, Renata Beck, Enrico Marinelli
Summary: Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are widely used medications for the treatment of various conditions, but they also pose risks of abuse and dependence. The non-medical use of BDZs has become a serious public health issue, and the new synthetic BDZs may carry high risks for users.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Felix Zapata, Jose Manuel Matey, Gemma Montalvo, Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
Summary: This work reviews fundamental concepts about drugs, focusing on new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their classifications. A revised classification based on chemical composition is proposed to merge recent chemical groupings of NPS from various institutions, aiming to be useful for forensic practitioners/researchers.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Avery E. Michienzi, Heather A. Borek
Summary: In the last decade, there has been an increase in the recreational use of novel psychoactive substances, which are difficult to detect by routine urine drug screens due to their unique structures. The clinical effects experienced by users of these substances can vary unpredictably depending on the substance's structure and its effects on different receptors at different doses. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the existence of these new substances, as the diagnosis is often based on clinical observation rather than urine drug screens. Treatment for these substances focuses on alleviating the presenting signs and symptoms.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rita Roque-Bravo, Rafaela Sofia Silva, Rui F. Malheiro, Helena Carmo, Felix Carvalho, Diana Dias da Silva, Joao Pedro Silva
Summary: Synthetic cannabinoids, a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances that target the endocannabinoid system, have more intense effects than cannabis and are increasingly being used recreationally. However, the rise in intoxications and deaths associated with synthetic cannabinoids poses a major public health concern and challenge for policy makers.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Daniel Harris, G. Duccio Papanti Pelletier, John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Giovanni Martinotti, Stefano L. Sensi, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: Media reports have raised concerns about the misuse of antidiabetic drugs as weight-loss treatments in non-obese individuals. This study examined the pharmacovigilance signals of semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists and the phentermine-topiramate combination. The analysis of adverse event reports from the FDA's FAERS database revealed a higher risk of misuse associated with semaglutide.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, John M. Corkery, Norbert Scherbaum, Amira Guirguis
Summary: The focus is on discussing the pharmacological and clinical pharmacological issues related to a wide range of drugs by Internet-based enthusiasts of new psychoactive substances. Ongoing studies aim to provide important findings on receptor affinities and clinical potency of these novel recreational molecules for predicting NPS diffusion, morbidity, and potential lethality.
CURRENT OPINION IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Giovanni Martinotti, Stefania Schiavone, Attilio Negri, Chiara Vannini, Luigia Trabace, Domenico De Berardis, Mauro Pettorruso, Stefano L. Sensi, Massimo Di Giannantonio
Summary: The study found that after taking psychoactive drugs, there is a widespread prevalence of suicide ideation, with differences in suicide ideation intensity among different drug categories. High levels of suicidality do not specifically correlate with major symptoms of ongoing psychiatric background.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jordan S. Grauer, John D. Cramer
Summary: This study investigates the impact of state-imposed regulation on gabapentin prescribing for Medicare Part D enrollees. The findings suggest that classifying gabapentin as a Schedule V drug leads to a substantial reduction in total days prescribed, while PDMP regulation results in a modest reduction.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
George Savulich, Owen Bowden-Jones, Robert Stephenson, Annette B. Bruhl, Karen D. Ersche, Trevor W. Robbins, Barbara J. Sahakian
Summary: Research on NPS/polydrug users shows that recreational NPS users exhibit higher levels of risk-taking behavior and emotion-laden cognition, while treatment-seekers show poorer learning and memory abilities. Those seeking treatment are more susceptible to influences related to impulsivity and emotional control.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Nicolo Schifano, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Giuseppe Fallara, Stefania Chiappini, Matthew Rewhorn, Omer Onur Cakir, Hannah Harvey, Fabio Castiglione, Hussain M. Alnajjar, Asif Muneer, Federico Deho', Fabrizio Schifano, Francesco Montorsi, Andrea Salonia
Summary: This study aimed to detect a pharmacovigilance signal for a possible association between finasteride and Peyronie's disease (PD). The results showed a higher number of reports of penile curvature and Peyronie's disease in patients using finasteride, but these findings do not confirm a causal association. Clinical studies are needed to investigate the potential role of finasteride in causing PD-related clinical features.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMPOTENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Amira Guirguis, John M. Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Daniel R. Harris, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: Over the past twenty years, the consumption of opioids has led to increased drug misuse, abuse, dependence, and fatalities. This study analyzed pharmacovigilance datasets to identify and describe issues related to abuse, misuse, and dependence of prescription opioids. The findings showed that fentanyl and oxycodone were most commonly associated with abuse, while tramadol and oxycodone were strongly associated with drug dependence and withdrawal. Commonly reported concomitant drugs included benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and recreational drugs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Catalani, Giuseppe Floresta, Michelle Botha, John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Alessandro Vento, Vincenzo Abbate, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: The increasing availability and popularity of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) pose a significant threat to public health. Through in silico studies, the biological activity and structure of DBZDs were examined, revealing potential links and opportunities for risk assessment and new drug development.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Stefania Chiappini, Franca Ceci, Alessio Mosca, Francesco Di Carlo, Julius Burkauskas, Mauro Pettorruso, Giovanni Martinotti, Amira Guirguis, John M. M. Corkery, Norbert Scherbaum, Fabrizio Schifano, Massimo Di Giannantonio
Summary: This study aimed to explore the consumption and misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Italy and identify the characteristics of individuals involved in this phenomenon, as well as potential risk factors. It was found that OTC misuse was associated with knowledge of the effects of OTC, while educational level appeared to be a protective factor. Therefore, increased attention and preventive strategies are needed to address OTC misuse.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Giovanni Martinotti, Giuseppe Manuel Festa, Franca Ceci, Ilenia Di Muzio, Antonino Callea, Ada Capparelli, Ludovica Bonifaci, Eleonora Chillemi, Maria Pepe, Mauro Pettorruso, Stefania Chiappini, Marco Di Nicola, Luigi Janiri
Summary: The present study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CTQ-15, a revised version of CTQ with 15 items. The results show that CTQ-15 is reliable and practical for identifying the three dimensions of craving in clinical practice.
ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOLISM
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
John Martin Corkery, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: The use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, can lead to accidents and deaths due to impaired risk perception. This Scottish case-study aimed to investigate the role of drugs in drownings in the UK. An analysis of anonymized data from 1996 to 2020 revealed that drownings associated with drug consumption are increasing rapidly in Scotland. Central nervous system depressant drugs, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, are often involved in these drownings. 'Designer' benzodiazepines are a significant factor contributing to the rising number of drug-related poisoning deaths and drownings in Scotland. Evidence-based strategies should include education on the dangers of drugs to prevent these preventable drownings.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Giovanni Martinotti, Bernardo Dell'Osso, Giorgio Di Lorenzo, Giuseppe Maina, Alessandro Bertolino, Massimo Clerici, Stefano Barlati, Gianluca Rosso, Marco Di Nicola, Matteo Marcatili, Giacomo d'Andrea, Clara Cavallotto, Stefania Chiappini, Sergio De Filippis, Giuseppe Nicolo, Pasquale De Fazio, Ileana Andriola, Raffaella Zanardi, Domenica Nucifora, Stefania Di Mauro, Roberta Bassetti, Mauro Pettorruso, Roger S. McIntyre, Stefano L. Sensi, Massimo di Giannantonio, Antonio Vita
Summary: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of esketamine in treating unipolar and bipolar treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and provide preliminary evidence of its effectiveness in bipolar TRD (B-TRD). The results showed that esketamine significantly reduced depressive symptoms in B-TRD patients compared to TRD patients, and it had a better anxiolytic action in B-TRD patients. The low risk of side effects confirmed the safety of this treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Antonio Munafo, Davide Arillotta, Guido Mannaioni, Fabrizio Schifano, Renato Bernardini, Giuseppina Cantarella
Summary: Psilocybin is a potential treatment for a wide range of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. However, current research has limitations and there are health and political concerns that need to be addressed. Future studies and policies may provide a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Stefania Chiappini, Giacomo d'Andrea, Sergio De Filippis, Marco Di Nicola, Ileana Andriola, Roberta Bassetti, Stefano Barlati, Mauro Pettorruso, Stefano Sensi, Massimo Clerici, Bernardo Dell'Osso, Antonio Vita, Giovanni Martinotti
Summary: Esketamine has emerged as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression, showing rapid antidepressant action and good efficacy and safety. The effectiveness and safety of ESK-NS were evaluated in patients with a substance use disorder comorbid with treatment-resistant depression.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Mauro Pettorruso, Roberto Guidotti, Giacomo d'Andrea, Luisa De Risio, Antea D'Andrea, Stefania Chiappini, Rosalba Carullo, Stefano Barlati, Raffaella Zanardi, Gianluca Rosso, Sergio De Filippis, Marco Di Nicola, Ileana Andriola, Matteo Marcatili, Giuseppe Nicolo, Vassilis Martiadis, Roberta Bassetti, Domenica Nucifora, Pasquale De Fazio, Joshua D. Rosenblat, Massimo Clerici, Bernardo Maria Dell'Osso, Antonio Vita, Laura Marzetti, Stefano L. Sensi, Giorgio Di Lorenzo, Roger S. McIntyre, REAL-ESK Study Grp
Summary: This study used machine learning techniques to investigate sociodemographic and clinical features predicting responses to ESK-NS in TRD patients. The study found that features like severe anhedonia, anxious distress, mixed symptoms, and bipolarity were positively predictive of response and remission. However, benzodiazepine usage and depression severity were linked to delayed responses.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Daniel Harris, G. Duccio Papanti Pelletier, John Martin Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Giovanni Martinotti, Stefano L. Sensi, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: Media reports have raised concerns about the misuse of antidiabetic drugs as weight-loss treatments in non-obese individuals. This study examined the pharmacovigilance signals of semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists and the phentermine-topiramate combination. The analysis of adverse event reports from the FDA's FAERS database revealed a higher risk of misuse associated with semaglutide.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania Chiappini, Fabrizio Schifano
Article
Clinical Neurology
Stefania Chiappini, Francesco Di Carlo, Alessio Mosca, Giacomo d'Andrea, Mariapia Di Paolo, Chiara Lorenzini, Maria Grazia Lupica, Gaia Sampogna, Mauro Pettorruso, Andrea Fiorillo, Giovanni Martinotti
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial, psychological, and rehabilitative interventions in an Italian psychiatric inpatient facility, focusing on patients with schizophrenia spectrum and mood disorders. The results showed that patients who actively engaged in psychosocial and rehabilitative interventions had better functioning and lower symptoms at discharge compared to non-participating individuals. The interventions, especially psychotherapy and support groups, were positively correlated with the improvement in patients' functioning.
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASE AND TREATMENT
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Francesco Di Carlo, Valeria Verrastro, Maria Chiara Alessi, Antonella Sociali, Arianna Ida Altomare, Chiara Di Natale, Gianfranco Stigliano, Andrea Miuli, Aliseo Lalli, Gilberto Di Petta, Stefania Chiappini, Mauro Pettorruso, Henrietta Bowden-Jones, Mark D. Griffiths, Giovanni Martinotti
Summary: This study investigated the association between high-risk gaming and substance use among young adults in Italy and explored the association between high-risk gaming and psychopathology. The results showed that high-risk gamers had higher scores on all dimensions of psychopathology and were more commonly polysubstance users. These findings support the concept of a common neurobiological vulnerability for both gaming and substance use.
EUROPEAN ADDICTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Psychiatry
Giovanni Martinotti, Francesco Di Carlo, Maria Chiara Alessi, Antonella Sociali, Arianna Ida Altomare, Chiara Di Natale, Gianfranco Stigliano, Andrea Miuli, Aliseo Lalli, Mauro Pettorruso, Stefania Chiappini, Herietta Bowden-Jones, Mark D. Griffiths, Massimo Di Giannantonio
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS
(2022)