ABSTRACT
In contrast with some 750–950 new/novel psychoactive substances (NPS) respectively identified by European and international drug agencies, with an approach aiming at describing what is being discussed online by the web-based NPS enthusiasts ‘e-psychonauts’, some 4,300 different NPS have been identified so far. This chapter provides an overview of these different NPS whose intake is, per se, associated with the imbalance of a range of neurotransmitter pathways/receptors. The focus will be here on the most popular NPS categories, e.g. synthetic cannabinoids/cannabimimetics, novel synthetic opioids, phencyclidine-like dissociatives, novel stimulants (including synthetic cathinones, psychedelic phenethylamines, and piperazines), lysergamides, and tryptamine hallucinogens. An overview of those prescription medicines being used as NPS will be provided, as well. This chapter aims at providing clinicians and academics with updated knowledge on the clinical pharmacology, psychobiological, medical, and psychopathological disturbances the range of these NPS can produce.
