“Bath salts” is a term for a group of illegal drugs known as synthetic cathinones. Some people take them to experience euphoria. They can cause severe psychological and neurological problems.

While some people refer to synthetic cathinones as “bath salts,” they are not the same type of bath salts some people use when bathing. They are human-made stimulants that are related to naturally occurring substances in the khat plant.

Synthetic cathinones are a type of new psychoactive substance (NPS), a class of drugs created to mimic the effects of drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

Taking synthetic cathinones, or “bath salts,” can cause psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular problems. It is best to speak with a medical professional if a person has concerns about the risks or side effects.

Read on to learn more about the bath salt drug, including its effects and risks.

“Bath salts” and the “bath salt drug” are terms that refer to synthetic cathinones.

Synthetic cathinones are human- or lab-made stimulants that are chemically related to substances in the khat (Catha edulis) plant. In some countries, it has been common for centuries to chew the khat plant for its psychoactive effects.

Synthetic cathinones are central nervous stimulants, designed to mimic the effects of drugs such as:

Some people take synthetic cathinones:

  • orally
  • by smoking them
  • by sniffing or snorting them
  • by injecting them as part of a solution

They do so to experience effects such as euphoria and alertness. However, the drug can also cause a range of unwanted and potentially life threatening side effects.

As with any drug, synthetic cathinones can cause side effects such as:

Synthetic cathinones can also cause:

It is important to contact a medical professional for advice if somebody takes the bath salt drug and experiences severe or ongoing side effects. Medical treatment may be necessary.

Synthetic cathinones interact with plasma membrane transporter proteins on nerve cells.

This can speed up the messages that travel between the brain and the body, which can stimulate the release of hormones such as:

Serotonin and dopamine are “feel-good” hormones that contribute to feelings of happiness and pleasure. Norepinephrine prepares the body for fight-or-flight mode, and it can also increase blood pressure and heart rate.

According to a 2013 article, “bath salts” are highly addictive. They have an association with substance-induced disorders, which are mental health conditions that occur as a result of taking the substance.

This means that synthetic cathinones can lead to long-term effects such as:

Seeking help for addiction may seem daunting and even scary, but there are several organizations that can provide you support.

If you believe you or someone close to you is experiencing addiction, you can contact any of the following organizations for help and advice:

Yes, it is possible to overdose on bath salts. In some cases, overdose can lead to death.

Synthetic cathinones are illegal in many countries, including the United States (U.S.). This means that it is not legal to manufacture, distribute, or possess the bath salt drug.

Synthetic cathinones may show up on specialized drug tests such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

There are no specific medications for treating synthetic cathinone addiction.

Psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful for some people.

Speak with a doctor or other medical professional if there are concerns about drug addiction. A medical professional may refer or signpost an individual to an organization that specializes in helping people with drug addiction.

The “bath salt drug” refers to a group of drugs called. They are human-made stimulants that some people take to experience euphoria and alertness.

Synthetic cathinones can cause a range of psychological and neurological side effects, such as confusion, agitation, delusions, hypertension, a rapid heart rate, sweating, and seizures.

Addiction to synthetic cathinones is possible, as is a fatal overdose. Speak with a medical professional if there are concerns about synthetic cathinone use. They can provide information about organizations that can help treat addiction and manage long-term side effects.