White House Drug Czar warns U.S. about "bath salts" craze

By Staff Writer

A new drug craze called "bath salts" are slowly making their way into mainstream culture. This week, White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske warned people about taking the drug, which is often sold on the Internet and in paraphernalia shops, the Associated Press reports.

The substance has caused serious health problems for many people across the country, including an apparent death from overdose in Mississippi. The synthetic stimulants are sold under the names Ivory Wave or Purple Wave, and can cause chest pains, increased blood pressure and heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, extreme paranoia and delusions, according to the news source. Rafael Lemaitre, a spokesman for Kerlikowske's office, said that the drugs can produce effects that are similar to those of cocaine, ecstasy and LSD, quoted by the media outlet.

They contain the synthetic stimulants 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone and mephedrone - known as MDPV - which are not controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration or approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, 251 calls have already been placed related to bath salts this year, compared to 236 during 2010.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that mental health problems are frequently linked to substance abuse among adolescents.