Synthetic cathinone poisoning from ingestion of drug-laced "instant coffee packets" in Taiwan.

Abstract

Synthetic cathinone abuse is a global health issue. Synthetic cathinones emerged in Taiwan in 2009, and their prevalence rapidly rose. They are usually made into "instant coffee packets," and these so-called "toxic coffee packets" may also contain psychoactive drugs other than synthetic cathinones. Due to the diversity of the ingredients, clinical presentations can be complex.