Levamisole

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What is Levamisole?

Levamisole, also known as Ergamisol, is a drug mainly used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms, such as ascariasis and hookworm. It is taken by mouth. In the United States, it is increasingly being used to cut cocaine because it makes the cocaine seem purer by adding bulk and weight.

Overall Risk:

Severe. This combination significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, overdose, and severe side effects due to the additive effects of Levamisole, even with small amounts.

Concern:
Neutropenia, agranulocytosis, arthralgias, retiform purpura, skin necrosis
Severity:

Major

Risk of OD:
Increased

Levamisoleused as cutting agent for可卡因

Levamisole, particularly when used as an additive in cocaine, can lead to several severe and potentially fatal health issues. These include neutropenia, a condition where white blood cell counts are abnormally low, making the body more susceptible to infections. Agranulocytosis, a more extreme form of neutropenia, severely weakens the immune system. Additionally, users can experience arthralgias, which are painful joints, and retiform purpura, a type of rash caused by blood vessel damage. Skin necrosis, where skin tissue dies, is another serious risk. These complications underscore the significant health dangers of Levamisole when it is misused in substances like cocaine.

Why it's used as a cutting substance?

Levamisole is used to cut cocaine because it can extend the drug's stimulant effects, similar to amphetamines, even after the main effects of cocaine have faded. This practice boosts profits by diluting the cocaine. A significant portion of cocaine samples have been found to contain varying levels of Levamisole, which can be dangerous for users. Although Levamisole has a lower potency than cocaine, it poses risks of severe side effects and health complications.

Interaction

Levamisole can intensify the numbing effects of cocaine and may extend its euphoric effects by boosting the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Additionally, because Levamisole looks similar to cocaine, it can make the cocaine appear purer, enhancing its street value.

Short-term effects

  • Neurologic excitement
  • Numbness and loss of feeling
  • Relief from pain and itching associated with various skin conditions.
  • Serious side effects like agranulocytosis can occur in a small percentage of individuals using Levamisole

Long-term effects

  • Severe complications such as neutropenia, agranulocytosis, arthralgias, retiform purpura, and skin necrosis
  • Potentially life-threatening conditions like pulmonary hypertension and hemorrhage

Sources

  • Levamisole: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online | [ Link]
  • Solomon, N., & Hayes, J. (2017). Levamisole: A High Performance Cutting Agent. Academic forensic pathology, 7(3), 469–476. Link
  • Lee, K. C., Ladizinski, B., & Federman, D. G. (2012). Complications associated with use of levamisole-contaminated cocaine: an emerging public health challenge. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 87(6), 581–586. [ Link ]

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