The Tox Lab

This week on The Tox Lab, we're diving into the world of α2 adrenergic receptor agonists. We explore how xylazine, when combined with heroin, can both potentiate drug-seeking behaviour after abstinence and attenuate heroin consumption and motivation during use. We also review a study investigating naloxone and atipamezole as potential treatments for fentanyl–xylazine toxicity and examine two foren...

This week, we’re talking about the toxic combination of cocaine and alcohol. We explore the formation of cocaethylene, and the role both cocaine and cocaethylene play in arrhythmias and other cardiac complications. We also examine potential mechanisms of liver injury linked to cocaine use—and how alcohol may amplify this effect. Join us as we break down the pharmacology and clinical consequences o...

This week on The Tox Lab, we're taking a closer look at tianeptine—a drug originally developed as an antidepressant, but now making headlines as “gas station heroin” due to its opioid-like effects and increasing misuse across the U.S. We explore a compelling clinical case of high-dose tianeptine withdrawal, examine national poison control data highlighting common symptoms and severity of presentat...

Why is chocolate dangerous for dogs? What makes lilies so toxic to cats? In this episode of The Tox Lab, we explore the fascinating (and sometimes surprising) toxicology of common substances that can harm our pets. From household foods to ornamental plants, we break down the mechanisms behind these poisons, species-specific sensitivities, and what clinicians, pet owners, and toxicologists need to...

This week, we dive into the European Drug Report 2025, breaking down the latest data on drug trends across Europe. From rising cocaine detections and shifting cannabis use patterns to ongoing concerns around heroin, MDMA, synthetic stimulants, and the growing presence of novel psychoactive substances — we explore the substances making headlines and what they mean for toxicologists, clinicians, and...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of methamphetamine enantiomers—those chemically identical but biologically distinct mirror-image molecules. We examine a paper that looks at the suitability of the 20% D-methamphetamine cutoff used to indicate illicit methamphetamine use in the US, and some of the challenges associated with enantiomer testing. We also break down the differential respira...

In this week's episode, we explore the growing world of delta-8 THC—how it compares to delta-9 THC, what recent research reveals about its effects when consumed orally, and what those differences might mean for users. We also discuss a pediatric case involving the accidental ingestion of delta-8 THC gummies, highlighting the clinical presentation, management, and the testing challenges that can ar...

What started as routine lab work led to one of the most iconic bike rides in scientific history. In this episode, we dive into the story of Albert Hofmann and the accidental discovery of LSD, tracing the events of the first intentional trip—now known as Bicycle Day. We explore LSD’s early promise in psychiatry, its rise as a recreational drug, and the reasons behind its prohibition. Finally, we ex...

In this week’s episode, we explore the evolving role of ketamine in clinical practice—from its antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression to its potential use in opioid use disorder. But therapeutic promise comes with toxicologic concerns. We take a closer look at the consequences of chronic ketamine use, including ketamine use disorder, cognitive and urinary complications, and the b...

In this week’s episode, we explore the expanding role of SARMs in the performance-enhancing drug landscape. Often marketed in “research-only” products, these compounds are anything but risk-free. We delve into a recent systematic review outlining their adverse effects and take a closer look at a compelling case study of drug-induced liver injury and rhabdomyolysis linked to SARM use. Tune in as we...

In this week's episode, we turn our focus to mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the primary active components of kratom. We explore what these alkaloids are, how they behave post-mortem, and what we know about their stability in biological matrices. We also discuss the evidence around 7-hydroxymitragynine’s role in respiratory depression, and the growing concern around kratom products in the U....

In this week’s episode, we delve into the growing issue of adulterated vapes. We explore a study uncovering synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in THC vape products, and anabolic-androgenic steroids in e-cigarette cartridges seized from Scottish prisons. Join us as we unpack the toxicology behind these substances and what this emerging trend could mean for public health and the future...

In this week's episode, we discuss a couple of interesting case reports including a case series on 'Death Coffee' and a complex suicide case involving penconazole. Hope you enjoy! Links to papers we discussed: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/npr2.70013 https://clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/1/article/view/1195/812 Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_to...

A suspicious will led to the exhumation of Kathleen Grundy—and toxicology revealed a shocking truth. In this week's episode, we examine the forensic testing that exposed Shipman’s crimes, from hair analysis to post-mortem drug screening and how this case changed the UK’s Coronial process forever. Hope you enjoy! Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here...

A trusted doctor. A quiet town. And a trail of unexplained deaths. In this episode, we trace Harold Shipman’s fall from promising physician to prolific killer. From his pethidine addiction to his use of diamorphine as a murder weapon, we uncover the early suspicions that could have stopped him—long before his final victim. Hope you enjoy! Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram:...

In this week's episode, we explore nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. We'll discuss its historical use, pharmacological effects, potential toxicities, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding its use. Join us as we uncover the complexities of this seemingly innocuous gas and its implications for public health. Hope you enjoy! Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagr...

In this week's episode, we delve into the unexpected hazards associated with poppy seed consumption. We'll explore recent cases of thebaine poisoning in Australia linked to non-food-grade poppy seeds and the risks of opioid toxicity from unwashed seeds. Join us as we examine the chemistry behind these toxicities, share real-world cases, and discuss the implications for public health and safety.​ H...

A WWII soldier on meth, a smuggler in freefall, and a bear on cocaine. In this week's episode, we break down Aimo Koivunen’s unbelievable survival after a methamphetamine overdose, then uncover the real story of Andrew Carter Thornton II, whose botched drug drop led to the infamous ‘Cocaine Bear'. Join us as we discuss the toxicology behind these wild cases and seperate fact from fiction. Hope you...

Interpreting toxicology results after death isn’t always straightforward—especially when time is a factor. In this episode, we discuss the post-mortem interval (PMI) and how it complicates toxicological interpretation. We explore how decomposition affects drug concentrations and why traditional methods of estimating PMI have limitations. Could omics-based approaches, like metabolomics and proteomi...

In this week's episode, we break down synthetic cathinones, a group of powerful stimulants linked to severe health effects. We discuss what they are, their toxicology, and the latest ACMD report on their risks and regulation. Tune in as we explore the evolving dangers of these substances and their impact on public health. Hope you enjoy! Find us on Instagram: @the_tox_lab Links we've discussed: ht...

Some viral trends are more dangerous than they seem. In this episode, we break down the toxicology behind risky TikTok challenges. From alcohol poisoning to deadly overdoses, chemical inhalation, and neurological damage, we explore the real health risks and long-term consequences of these shocking stunts. Hope you enjoy! Find us on Instagram: @the_tox_lab

In this week's episode, we delve into the rising concern of nitazenes in the recreational drug market. Our discussion centers on a recent study that examines 15 previously uncharacterized nitazene analogues, assessing their potency, μ-opioid receptor activity, and effects in mice. Join us as we break down the study's findings and discuss their real-world implications for public health and safety....

In this week's episode, we explore the unexpected ways loud music might influence methamphetamine toxicity in mice. We discuss the behavioural and neurological changes observed after mice were exposed to tracks by the Prodigy, potential mechanisms behind the effects and how this might impact humans in similar situations. Hope you enjoy! Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Link to the paper we discu...

In this week's episode, we delve into the chilling reality of slushie poisoning. We discuss real-life cases making headlines, explore the symptoms of glycerol intoxication, and break down the metabolic pathways potentially affected in these scenarios. Join us as we uncover the hidden dangers lurking in seemingly innocent treats. Hope you enjoy! Find us on instagram @the_tox_lab Link to the paper w...

In this week's episode, we explore the growing impact of street benzodiazepines on drug-related deaths across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Join us as we delve into the latest trends in benzodiazepine detections and discuss the implications for toxicology and public health. Hope you enjoy! Link to the paper we discussed: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.13979