Drug Alert: BATH SALTSAbout the drug:Bath Salts commonly contain stimulants including Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Methedrone and Cathinone and its analogs. Bath Salts are commonly sold under the names including, but not limited to, Ivory Wave, White Lightening and Hurricane Charlie. Bath Salts are typically snorted, smoked, injected or even mixed with water and used in a beverage. The stimulant chemicals utilized in Bath Salts, MDPV, Methedrone and Cathinone and its analogs, commonly cause hallucinations, paranoia, a rapid heartbeat, suicidal thoughts, depression, seizures, panic attacks, dizziness, irritability, sweating, nausea, vomiting and chest pain. Cathinone, one of the parent substance of the drugs, comes from the Khat plant grown in Africa and is regulated. MDPV, Methedrone and Cathinone and its analogs are manufactured in laboratories and are not regulated because they are not marketed for human consumption. The only thing Bath Salts share with bubble bath spa products is the name. Bath Salts have crept into our communities and they are harming residents, including minors. The reality is that the chemical compounds used to make these dangerous substances have no legitimate use other than to provide a high for the users. These Bath Salts contain ingredients that are nothing more than legally sanctioned narcotics being sold to any consumer, including minors, with no questions asked. Drug Alert: ACTIQAbout the drug:An Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate, Tradename: ACTIQ, has been reported to be on the diversion increase in the Philadelphia area. Fentanyl is a Schedule II narcotic. ACTIQ is an Opiod Anagesic that is manufactured by Cephalon, Inc. out of Salt Lake City, Utah. ACTIQ is indicated for the management of cancer pain. ACTIQ is a rasberry flavored medication that is designed to be dissolved slowly in the mouth in a manner to facilitate transmucosal absorption. Nick-named Perc-A-Pop or the Lollipop Drug, authorities are concerned that there is a diversion problem that may be spreading. According to an article published in Magloceln's Network, retail prices for an ACTIQ Lozwnge is approximately $9 while the street value is estimated at $20. ACTIQ is available in six doseage strengths from 200 MCG to 1600 MCG. The doseage unit is white to off white in color and the strength of each unit is marked on the drug matrix, handle tag and blister pack. The amount of Fentanyl contained in ACTIQ can be fatal to children. All doseage units must be disposed of immediately after use to reduce the risk to children. Fentanyl was popular in the late 70's and early 80's and was known as China White and Synthetic Heroin. When developed, Fentanyl was used as an anesthetic used during surgery and was said to be 100 times as strong as Morphine. Drug Alert: OxyContinAbout the drug:Hailed as a 'wonder drug', the prescription painkiller 'OxyContin' has vaulted to the top of the list as the latest medicine to be abused by those seeking to get a quick high. What abusers fail to realize is OxyContin could be a one-way ticket to the nearest cemetery. In some areas of the Commonwealth, municipalities have seen an alarming 300 to 400% increase in deaths related to the use of OxyContin in just the last one or two years. Awareness of this drug should be on an equal par with enforcement. OxyContin was designed to be a pain-relief drug for terminal cancer and other chronic pain patients. It contains a synthetic morphine meant to be a time-released medication. The pills can be crushed into powder, diluted and injected with a syringe. It can also be snorted and chewed like candy. OxyContin gives abusers a heroin-like high. One southern town has enacted plans to fingerprint purchasers in the hope of deterring prescription fraud. |