Bath Salts (drug)

What are bath salts?

Bath salts is a slang term for certain types of man-made street drugs called synthetic cathinones. These drugs are stimulants, like ecstasy or cocaine.

Bath salts are usually a white or tan powder sold in small packets with names like Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning, Bolivian Bath and Cloud 9. The chemicals involved can include MDPV, mephedrone, alpha-PVP and methylone, but as with any street drug, they may contain something else entirely or be mixed with other chemicals.

These drugs are very different from Epsom salts that you would use in your tub. The drugs were originally sold as “bath salts” or “plant food” and labeled “not for human consumption” in order to get around drug laws. Bath salts are now controlled substances.

Bath salts can be very dangerous.

What are the symptoms of using bath salts?

Bath salts are dangerous drugs. People who take them can hurt themselves or people around them.

Someone who takes bath salts may:

• Have a fast heartbeat
• Have high blood pressure
• Have trouble sleeping
• Feel nervous or paranoid
• See or hear things that aren’t there
• Become violent and dangerous
• Have muscle damage
• Have seizures or uncontrolled body movements

What should you do if someone has used bath salts?

If someone has taken bath salts, or if you have other questions about these drugs, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222, chat online or text POISON to 85511.