Designer benzodiazepines and pregabalin. A lethal combination

This talk will start with an introduction to a number of illicit benzodiazepines that have appeared in North East England over the last couple of years. This will be followed by an overview of the GABA-A receptor and its possible central role in the toxic effects of a number of CNS depressant drugs. Attention will move to pregabalin (and gabapentin) and their toxicity, which is becoming more apparent as time progresses. This will include some details of their receptor in the CNS and their modulatory effects on other CNS transmitter systems. I will also include some details of the detection method (using HRMS and LC-MS/MS) and planned improvements for this year.

Learning Objectives:

1. The variety of benzodiazepine molecules in circulation and their effects

2. Interaction of the gabapentinoids with other drugs affecting the CNS

3. Benzodiazepine and gabapentinoid receptor basics