Synthetic Drug Use Signs, Withdrawal Symptoms, and Side Effects

Synthetic drugs can cause numerous physical and psychological side effects ranging from mild to severe or even life-threatening. These drugs are designed to circumvent government regulation while imitating the effects of other illegal substances. Because virtually all classes of drugs can be synthetically altered in this way, their side effects can be highly diverse and unpredictable.

Synthetic drugs come in all forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, sublinguals, lozenges, and more. They are often marketed as herbal incense, spices, or bath salts. (1)  Despite being marketed as benign substances, synthetic drugs can be just as, if not more, dangerous and addictive as well-known illegal substances of the same kind.

Short-Term Side Effects Include:

• Rapid heart rate.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Trouble breathing.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Impaired motor coordination.
• Restlessness.
• Agitation and irritability.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Impaired decision-making.
• Dilated pupils.
• Excessive sweating.
• Headaches.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Mood swings.
• Anxiety and panic attacks.
• Paranoia and delusions.
• Altered perception of reality.
• Hallucinations.

Long-Term Side Effects Include:

• Kidney and liver damage and failure.
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as altered appetite, abdominal pain, constipation, and digestive problems.
• Respiratory issues, such as persistent cough, difficulty breathing, lung damage, and pneumonia.
• Cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
• Impaired cognition, including problems with concentration, problem-solving, judgment, memory, and more.
• Brain damage.
• Hormonal dysregulation.
• New or worsened mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
• Visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations.
• Delusional beliefs and paranoia.
• Emotional instability.

How Long Do Synthetic Drug Side Effects Last?

The duration of side effects for any given substance depends on several other factors, such as dosage, frequency of use, tolerance levels, overall health, and individual metabolism. Most often, side effects subside when the drug is discontinued. Still, the duration of synthetic drug side effects could range from less than an hour to over a week after use, and some long-term side effects may require medical or psychiatric treatment. Unfortunately, some side effects, such as brain damage and cognitive impairment, can be permanent.

Synthetic Drug Withdrawal Symptoms Associated With Dependence

If a substance is taken repeatedly for an extended period, the body can begin to depend on its presence to function normally. Once this physiological state, known as dependence, occurs, attempting to quit or cut back on use will lead to unpleasant, sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. (2) As with side effects, the type and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the drug being taken and many other individual factors.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms May Include:

• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Headaches
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Weakness, fatigue, and exhaustion
• Profuse sweating
• Excess tear production
• Dilated pupils
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Uncontrollable tremors and shakiness
• Seizures

Psychological & Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms May Include:

• Drug cravings
• Rebound anxiety
• Depression and feelings of hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability and agitation
• Mood swings
• Confusion and disorientation

Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. As such, if you are dependent on a substance and are motivated to discontinue use, you are strongly encouraged to undergo medical detox to ensure safety, prevent relapse, and increase the likelihood of experiencing a full recovery.

Synthetic Drug Withdrawal Timeline

Depending on the substance, the individual, and other factors, the timeline for withdrawal can vary significantly. For some drugs, the stage of early acute withdrawal can begin immediately as the drug leaves the body and worsen as time goes on. Other drugs may take up to 24 hours after the last use to cause symptoms. Still, other long-acting substances produce withdrawal symptoms only after a few days.

Withdrawal symptoms for most substances usually reach peak intensity within the first week, although for some drugs it may take longer. After symptoms peak, the withdrawal will begin to enter the sub-acute phase, in which symptoms gradually taper off over a few days to a few weeks. Note, however, that certain individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), in which some symptoms—primarily psychological—may persist for weeks, months, or longer. (3)