Designer drugs: A review

Designer drug is an analog, a chemical compound that is similar in structure and effect to another drug of abuse but differs slightly in molecular structure.

Designer drugs are produced in clandestine laboratories to mimic the psychoactive effects of controlled drugs. Theoretically, the number of potential synthetic analogs that can be made and distributed is very large. Since 1970s many such laboratories have been set up to produce and market new drugs for abuse for street sale.

The most commonly known types of synthetic analog drugs available through the illicit drug market include, analogs of fentanyl and meperidine (both synthetic opioids), phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamine and methamphetamine (which have hallucinogenic and stimulant properties). The street names of designer drugs change frequently and also vary according to time, place, and manufacturer. This article will attempt to present a comprehensive review of these designer drugs.