Introduction: Over recent decades, there has been an increase in the availability and use of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) all over the world. They include several classes of chemicals that mimic the effects of illicit drugs and have been purposefully introduced into the market to circumvent or undermine the purpose of legal regulation. Currently, there is information lacking on the pharmacology of these substances; however, the increasing number of cases and outbreaks of intoxications/deaths is becoming a cause for deepening concern. Multi-disciplinary research in the fields of biology, chemistry, clinical medicine and web analysis is needed to develop responses against this tidal wave. Aim: The overall aim of this project is to gain insights into pharmacological, neurochemical and molecular properties of selected NPS to provide a reliable background needed for detection, assessment, and management of NPS-related harms. A range of approaches and methodologies was employed and a spectrum of different fields of knowledge has been engaged to gain some understanding into the complex multi-faceted phenomenon of NPS. Methods: Different substances have been selected as targets for the present project according to the clinical pattern of toxicity raised by their worldwide use and the lack of scientific knowledge available about them. The methods employed were: in vitro quantitative autoradiography (to evaluate the binding properties of the novel SCs BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135 at the cannabinoid receptor type 1 and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; and the binding properties of the synthetic stimulants 5-IT and 2-DPMP at the dopamine transporter in rat brain slices); in vitro Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (to assess the effects of BB-22 on evoked dopamine efflux and dopamine re-uptake half-life in nucleus accumbens brain slices); in vivo microdialysis (to monitor dopamine release in terminal areas of the reward system after acute administration of the synthetic cannabinoids BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135; the dieting aid compound 2,4-DNP; the synthetic stimulants 2-DPMP and D2PM in freely moving animals); in silico molecular docking (to investigate the intermolecular interactions of the SCs BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135, and other referent compounds, with a homology model of the rodent cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and the crystal structure of the human CB1R); and a web-based analysis approach (to analyse the information provided by a range of fora communities on 4,4'-DMAR use, additionally critical reviewing the available evidence-based literature on this topic). Results: Our in vitro quantitative autoradiography studies, confirmed that the index compounds BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135, behave as highly potent CB1R ligands able to compete with the radioligand [3H]CP-55,940 in cortical and striatal brain slices. On the other hand, all synthetic cannabinoids tested were unable to compete with the radioligand [3H]MK-801 in the same cerebral areas, rejecting the hypothesis of their potential binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) at all concentrations investigated. Consistent with previous in vitro studies, 5-IT and 2-DPMP behaved as highly potent dopamine transporter (DAT) ligands able to compete with the radioligand [125 I]RTI-121 in a concentration-dependent way in the Caudate Putamen (CPu) and Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) brain slices. Notably, 2-DPMP was able to displace the radioligand in both cerebral regions, starting from lower concentrations compared to 5-IT. In vitro Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry findings demonstrated that local application of the synthetic cannabinoid BB-22 in brain slices, was unable to change evoked dopamine efflux and dopamine reuptake time-constant in the NAc shell at any doses tested. The results obtained would suggest the relative contributions of complex neuronal circuits, either within or outside the NAc, whose modulation would interfere with the interactions between BB-22 and dopaminergic neurons and represent critical pathways accounting for some of the rewarding properties of BB-22 exposure. In vivo microdialysis outcomes suggested that all SCs tested could increase dopamine release in the NAc shell at specific doses, while no changes in dopamine output were observed in other areas of the reward system, namely NAc core and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFCx) after BB-22 administration. These outcomes provided a circumstantial pre-clinical evidence for a greater putative abuse liability of SCs compared to the natural compound found in cannabis (Δ9‐THC). Furthermore, the acute treatment with 2,4-DNP did not cause any change in dopamine release in the NAc shell and CPu rejecting the hypothesis of psychoactivity of this substance at the dose tested. On the other hand, the synthetic stimulant 2-DPMP elicited a comparable increase of dopamine (DA) release in the NAc shell and CPu at the higher doses tested, while D2PM caused a selective increase of DA release in the NAc shell, providing a circumstantial preclinical evidence for a putative abuse liability of this compound at the highest dose assessed. The in silico molecular docking studies demonstrated that the SCs BB-22, 5F-PB-22, 5F-AKB-48 and STS-135 interact with CB1 receptor residues that, according to previous mutation and computational studies, are considered crucial for synthetic cannabinoid binding recognition. Additionally, they share some interacting residues with other aminoalkylindole derivatives (e.g. WIN-55,212-2). The web-based analysis focused on 4,4'-DMAR, suggested that fora members co-operate in exchanging an extensive body of knowledge about this drug, and the recurring topics of discussion include: routes of administration and dosages; desired and undesired effects; comparison and association with other drugs and medications; overall impression; provision of harm reduction advice. This approach has been useful to better understand some of the clinical and psychopharmacological issues pertaining to 4,4'-DMAR. Conclusions: Overall, these studies provided new pharmacological, neurochemical and molecular knowledge on a range of Novel Psychoactive Substances essential for identifying potential therapeutical approaches against their use/abuse. The novelty of this project lies in the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach involving a range of methodologies from different areas of expertise (neurobiology, pharmacology, chemistry, netnography) all integrated to clarify some aspects of the index NPS, which were not yet available in the current literature. Additional studies are needed to better explain short and long-term effects of the index NPS, their abuse potential, and their interactions with other drugs of abuse.

High rates of nonmedical use of pain relievers and stimulants have been documented in the United States, putting substance abusers at risk of addiction and possible arrest for illegal possession and use. Treatment programs can help stop patterns of abuse. This thesis explores the factors impinging on substance abuse treatment seeking for nonmedical pain reliever and stimulant users. Data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health 2014 were analyzed in order to find the most recent patterns of pain reliever and stimulant abuse and potential determinants of receiving treatment. Descriptive statistics about the population reporting nonmedical use of pain relievers and/or stimulant use are first presented. Logistic regression analyses are then conducted on one dependent variable: respondents stating if they ever received treatment. Possible determinants that may influence one’s potential to receive treatment included income, insurance coverage, race/ethnicity, age, sex, psychological state, and metro/nonmetro residency status.

This report presents findings of a community survey of 3,021 adolescents and young adults aged 14–24 years in Munich, Germany, carried out to determine the prevalence of use and abuse of and dependence on ecstasy, amphetamines and hallucinogens. The response rate was 71%. Results: (1) In 1995, 4% of the male and 2.3% of the female respondents aged 14–24 reported the use of ecstasy. Ecstasy-related substances (amphetamines and chemically related substances) were reported by 3.6% of men and 1.6% of women. Hallucinogens were reported slightly less frequently by 3% of men and about 2% of women (LSD combined with others). (2) Compared to findings from a 1990 survey this constitutes a substantial, at least twofold, increase in consumption rate of both types of substances. (3) Among lifetime users of both ecstasy and related substances as well as hallucinogens about two thirds could be regarded as regular users. (4) The prevalence of DSM-IV abuse and dependence on ecstasy and related substances is about 1%, identical to rates of hallucinogen abuse and dependence. Findings also point to a significant dependence potential for both substances. (5) Furthermore, considerable overlap between the two substances was found. Conclusion: Our study suggests a substantial increase in both the use of ecstasy and related substances as well as hallucinogens. The data further suggest that the increase is strongest in younger age groups, but the risk of first use of these substances continues to be present up to the age of 24 years. The higher proportion of women contributing to this increase is noteworthy.

In recent decades a growing number of individuals in preschool, middle childhood and adolescence have been diagnosed with ADHD. Accompanying increasing rates of diagnoses is an increase in the use of stimulant medication in preschool populations, a practice not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This paper reviews the current literature pertaining the social and developmental consequences of ADHD, its effect on the child and family, treatment strategies with and without the use of stimulants, and cultural and diagnostic trends which may be contributing to the rising number of diagnoses. A review of the literature suggests that there is a dire need for further empirical research into the use of stimulant medications in preschoolers, and a number of cultural factors unique to the United States have contributed to increasing rates of ADHD diagnosis.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2003. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Alnarp : Sveriges lantbruksuniv. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

A utilização de substâncias estimulantes tipo-anfetamínicos (ATS) por motoristas com objetivo de aumentar o tempo de vigília é um conhecido problema nacional com consequências sociais e legais. A dietilpropiona (DIE) e o femproporex (FEN) figuram entre os estimulantes do sistema nervoso central (SNC) mais utilizados por condutores no trânsito brasileiro. O metilfenidato (MPH) é um fármaco que apresenta propriedades similares à cocaína e à anfetamina (AMP). Sua utilização como droga de rua e recreacional tem aumentado nos últimos anos e seu uso tem ganhado espaço com a restrição da comercialização de DIE e FEN pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) em 2011. O estudo do trânsito implica necessariamente o conhecimento do perfil dos condutores e da prevalência do uso de substâncias. Para a monitorização do consumo de substâncias no trânsito, é necessário o emprego de métodos analíticos validados para as matrizes biológicas de interesse. Sabe-se ainda que muitos condutores compram medicamentos ATS ilegalmente, em postos de combustível e pela internet. Conhecer o perfil químico e detectar falsificações desses medicamentos é parte essencial no desenvolvimento e aplicação de políticas públicas preventivas do uso de substâncias no trânsito. Objetivos: avaliar dados do trânsito da região sul do Brasil, enfatizando o uso de substâncias, a idade e o sexo dos envolvidos em acidentes; desenvolver e validar métodos cromatográficos acoplados a detector de massas para quantificação simultânea de FEN, DIE e MPH em fluido oral e em plasma; avaliar o perfil de falsificações de medicamentos a base de ATS. Resultados: os dados de acidentes de trânsito com vítimas fatais no Estado de Santa Catarina no período de junho de 2008 a novembro de 2010, revelaram que 11,9 % dos casos apresentaram resultados toxicológicos positivos, sendo canabinóides (42 %) e cocaína (29,4 %) as substâncias mais prevalentes, seguidas de antidepressivos (10,3 %), anfetamínicos (9,5 %), benzodiazepínicos (7,1 %) e barbitúricos (1,6 %). A maioria das vítimas (44 %) era jovem – entre 16 e 30 anos – e do sexo masculino. O desenvolvimento e validação de método de extração e quantificação simultânea de AMP, FEN e DIE em plasma utilizando a técnica de imersão direta em micro-extração em fase sólida (SPME-DI) seguida de análise por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massas (GC-MS) compreendeu etapas de desproteinização da matriz e derivatização dos ATS. O método foi linear de 5,0 a 100 ng/ml. Os limites de detecção foram 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 ng/ml para AMP, DIE e FEN respectivamente. A exatidão variou de 85,58 a 108,33 % e a precisão, calculada pelo desvio padrão relativo, não excedeu 15 %. A recuperação esteve entre 46,35 – 84,46 %. Também foi desenvolvida e validada metodologia para análise simultânea de FEN, DIE e MPH em fluido oral por cromatografia líquida acoplada a detector de massas em tandem (LC-MS/MS). As curvas de calibração utilizando o padrão interno propranolol apresentaram linearidade entre 2,5 e 90 ng/ml. O limite inferior de quantificação e o limite de detecção foram de 2,5 ng/ml e 0,5 ng/ml respectivamente, para todos os ATS. Precisão e exatidão intra e inter-dias mantiveram-se dentro dos limites preconizados pelas guias regulatórias. Não foram observados efeito de matriz nem carry-over. Por fim, foram desenvolvidos e aplicados métodos para a análise de apreensões de ATS os quais revelaram a existência de ativo farmacêutico diverso (sibutramina) daquele especificado no rótulo do medicamento (FEN), em concentrações que variaram de 1/3 até 2 vezes a dose diária preconizada. Pela análise estatística dos espectros de infravermelho foi possível diferenciar amostras autênticas e amostras falsas e ainda agrupar falsificações com perfis semelhantes. Conclusões: os objetivos de estudo propostos nesta tese foram satisfatoriamente cumpridos e os resultados alcançados estão dispostos na forma de cinco artigos. Estes manuscritos contemplam temas relacionados ao uso de substâncias no trânsito, ao desenvolvimento e validação de metodologias analíticas e à análise de falsificações de medicamentos a base de ATS, demonstrando assim, a amplitude e multidisciplinariedade envolvidas no estudo dos compostos anfetamínicos. / The use of amphetamine-type stimulants compounds (ATS) for drivers aiming to stay awake is a known national problem, with social and legal implications. Diethylpropion (DIE) and fenproporex (FEN) are among the central nervous system stimulant most used by drivers in Brazil. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a drug that has properties similar to cocaine and amphetamine (AMP). Its use as a recreational and street drug has increased in recent years and its use has achieved space by the restriction of the marketing of DIE and FEN by the National Agency for Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA) in 2011. The traffic analysis necessarily implies knowledge of the profile of drivers and the prevalence of substance use. To monitor the consumption of substances in transit, validated analytical methods in different biological matrices should be employed and toxicological data interpreted according pharmacokinetics of each substance. It is also known that many motorists buy ATS illegally in gas stations and the Internet. Knowing the chemical profile and detect forgeries of these medications is an essential part in the development and implementation of public policies to prevent the use of ATS in traffic. Objectives: to evaluate the traffic data from southern Brazil, emphasizing the use of substances, age and sex of those involved in traffic accidents; develop and validate chromatographic methods coupled to mass spectrometry for quantification of FEN, DIE and MPH in oral fluid and in plasma; evaluate the profile of counterfeit medications based on ATS. Results: data analysis of traffic accidents with fatalities from June 2008 to November 2010 in the State of Santa Catarina revealed that 11.9 % of cases had positive toxicology results. Cannabinoids (42 %) and cocaine (29.4 %) had the highest prevalence, followed by antidepressants (10.3 %), amphetamines (9.5 %), benzodiazepines (7.1 %) and barbiturates (1.6 %). Most victims (44 %) were aged between 16 and 30 years old and male. A validated method for the simultaneous analysis of AMP, DIE and FEN in plasma samples employing direct immersion-solid phase microextraction (DI-SPME) followed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analyses (GC-MS) was developed. Deproteinization and derivatization of ATS were employed. The method was linear from 5.0 ngml-1 at 100 ngml-1. The detection limits were 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 ngml-1 for AMP, DIE and FEN respectively. The accuracy ranged from 85.58 to 108.33 % and precision, calculated by the relative standard deviation did not exceed 15 %. The recovery was between 46.35 to 84.46 %. Also was developed and validated a new method for simultaneous determination of FEN, DIE and MPH in oral fluid by liquidchromatography coupled to atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The calibration curves, using an internal standard, demonstrated good linearity throughout the concentration range from 2.5–90 ngml-1 in oral fluid. The lower limit of quantification and the limit of detection were 2.5 and 1.0 ngml-1 respectively for all ATS. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy values were within regulatory limits. Matrix effect and carry-over were not detected. Finally, methods have been developed and applied to analysis of seizures of ATS and the results showed the existence of active pharmaceutical (sibutramine) other than that specified on the label of the drug (FEN). The concentrations founded ranging from 1/3 to 2 times the recommended daily dose. Through the statistical analysis of the infrared spectra was possible to distinguish between authentic samples and counterfeit samples and also cluster the counterfeit ATS by their similar profiles. Conclusions: the proposed objectives of this thesis were satisfactorily completed and the results are arranged in the form of five manuscripts. These articles address issues related to substance use in traffic, development and validation of analytical methodologies and analysis of counterfeit medications based on ATS, highlighting the extent and multidisciplinary in the study of amphetamine compounds.

Submitted by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2014-09-22T12:14:30Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO MESTRADO 2013 - Versão Final.pdf: 1294177 bytes, checksum: fcc79b2fe855be99bc86d8a653bb2da8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Fatima Cleômenis Botelho Maria (botelho@ufba.br) on 2014-09-23T13:02:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO MESTRADO 2013 - Versão Final.pdf: 1294177 bytes, checksum: fcc79b2fe855be99bc86d8a653bb2da8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-09-23T13:02:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO MESTRADO 2013 - Versão Final.pdf: 1294177 bytes, checksum: fcc79b2fe855be99bc86d8a653bb2da8 (MD5) / O consumo de drogas de abuso é uma prática crescente no mundo moderno. Dessa forma, as drogas sintéticas e mais particularmente os derivados da anfetamina, ocupam um lugar de destaque. O consumo de estimulantes anfetamínicos tais como fenproporex (FEN), dietilpropiona (DIE) e sibutramina (SIB) se tornou uma prática comum entre motoristas profissionais nas estradas brasileiras nos últimos anos e entre pessoas que desejam perder peso, mas fazem o uso dessas substâncias de forma indiscriminada. O presente trabalho constitui o desenvolvimento de um método analítico, empregando microextração líquido-líquido dispersiva (DLLME), capaz de detectar e quantificar esses medicamentos em baixas concentrações em amostras de urina. As análises foram realizadas utilizando cromatografia à gás acoplada a espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). O método apresentou boa performance analítica, com excelente linearidade na faixa dinâmica de 1 a 1000 ng/mL para DIE, FEN e SIB, com valores de R2 iguais a 0,9926 , 0,9994 e 0,9951, respectivamente. Os limites de detecção (LD), foram de 0,1 ng/mL para DIE e FEN e de 0,05 ng/mL para SIB. O coeficiente de variação intradia variou de 6,63% a 7,95% enquanto o interdia variou de 3,89% a 5,47%. A recuperação relativa encontrada foi superior a 82,88% para DIE, 88,58% para FEN e 95,60% para SIB. O método desenvolvido mostrou-se bastante útil na análise dos compostos estudados em amostras de urina postmortem ou in vivo. / The drug abuse consumption is a growing practice in the modern world. Thus, synthetic drugs and more particularly amphetamine derivatives, occupy a prominent place. The consumption of stimulants-type amphetamines such as fenproporex (FEN), diethylpropion (DIE) and sibutramine (SIB) has become a common practice among professional drivers on Brazilian roads in recent years and among people who wish to lose weight, but make use of these substances indiscriminately. The present work is the development of an analytical method using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) capable of detecting and quantifying these drugs at low concentrations in urine samples. Analyses were performed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method showed good analytical performance with excellent linearity in a dynamic range from 1 to 1000 ng/mL for DIE, FEN and SIB, with R2 values equal to 0.9926, 0.9994 and 0.9951, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.1 ng/ml for DIE and FEN and 0.05 ng/mL to SIB. The intraday variation coefficient ranging from 6.63% to 7.95% while the interday ranged from 3.89% to 5.47%. The relative recovery founded was 82.88% for DIE, 88.58% for FEN and 95.60% for SIB. The method proved to be very useful in the analysis of these compounds in postmortem or in vivo urine samples.

A utilização de substâncias estimulantes tipo-anfetamínicos (ATS) por motoristas com objetivo de aumentar o tempo de vigília é um conhecido problema nacional com consequências sociais e legais. A dietilpropiona (DIE) e o femproporex (FEN) figuram entre os estimulantes do sistema nervoso central (SNC) mais utilizados por condutores no trânsito brasileiro. O metilfenidato (MPH) é um fármaco que apresenta propriedades similares à cocaína e à anfetamina (AMP). Sua utilização como droga de rua e recreacional tem aumentado nos últimos anos e seu uso tem ganhado espaço com a restrição da comercialização de DIE e FEN pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) em 2011. O estudo do trânsito implica necessariamente o conhecimento do perfil dos condutores e da prevalência do uso de substâncias. Para a monitorização do consumo de substâncias no trânsito, é necessário o emprego de métodos analíticos validados para as matrizes biológicas de interesse. Sabe-se ainda que muitos condutores compram medicamentos ATS ilegalmente, em postos de combustível e pela internet. Conhecer o perfil químico e detectar falsificações desses medicamentos é parte essencial no desenvolvimento e aplicação de políticas públicas preventivas do uso de substâncias no trânsito. Objetivos: avaliar dados do trânsito da região sul do Brasil, enfatizando o uso de substâncias, a idade e o sexo dos envolvidos em acidentes; desenvolver e validar métodos cromatográficos acoplados a detector de massas para quantificação simultânea de FEN, DIE e MPH em fluido oral e em plasma; avaliar o perfil de falsificações de medicamentos a base de ATS. Resultados: os dados de acidentes de trânsito com vítimas fatais no Estado de Santa Catarina no período de junho de 2008 a novembro de 2010, revelaram que 11,9 % dos casos apresentaram resultados toxicológicos positivos, sendo canabinóides (42 %) e cocaína (29,4 %) as substâncias mais prevalentes, seguidas de antidepressivos (10,3 %), anfetamínicos (9,5 %), benzodiazepínicos (7,1 %) e barbitúricos (1,6 %). A maioria das vítimas (44 %) era jovem – entre 16 e 30 anos – e do sexo masculino. O desenvolvimento e validação de método de extração e quantificação simultânea de AMP, FEN e DIE em plasma utilizando a técnica de imersão direta em micro-extração em fase sólida (SPME-DI) seguida de análise por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrômetro de massas (GC-MS) compreendeu etapas de desproteinização da matriz e derivatização dos ATS. O método foi linear de 5,0 a 100 ng/ml. Os limites de detecção foram 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 ng/ml para AMP, DIE e FEN respectivamente. A exatidão variou de 85,58 a 108,33 % e a precisão, calculada pelo desvio padrão relativo, não excedeu 15 %. A recuperação esteve entre 46,35 – 84,46 %. Também foi desenvolvida e validada metodologia para análise simultânea de FEN, DIE e MPH em fluido oral por cromatografia líquida acoplada a detector de massas em tandem (LC-MS/MS). As curvas de calibração utilizando o padrão interno propranolol apresentaram linearidade entre 2,5 e 90 ng/ml. O limite inferior de quantificação e o limite de detecção foram de 2,5 ng/ml e 0,5 ng/ml respectivamente, para todos os ATS. Precisão e exatidão intra e inter-dias mantiveram-se dentro dos limites preconizados pelas guias regulatórias. Não foram observados efeito de matriz nem carry-over. Por fim, foram desenvolvidos e aplicados métodos para a análise de apreensões de ATS os quais revelaram a existência de ativo farmacêutico diverso (sibutramina) daquele especificado no rótulo do medicamento (FEN), em concentrações que variaram de 1/3 até 2 vezes a dose diária preconizada. Pela análise estatística dos espectros de infravermelho foi possível diferenciar amostras autênticas e amostras falsas e ainda agrupar falsificações com perfis semelhantes. Conclusões: os objetivos de estudo propostos nesta tese foram satisfatoriamente cumpridos e os resultados alcançados estão dispostos na forma de cinco artigos. Estes manuscritos contemplam temas relacionados ao uso de substâncias no trânsito, ao desenvolvimento e validação de metodologias analíticas e à análise de falsificações de medicamentos a base de ATS, demonstrando assim, a amplitude e multidisciplinariedade envolvidas no estudo dos compostos anfetamínicos. / The use of amphetamine-type stimulants compounds (ATS) for drivers aiming to stay awake is a known national problem, with social and legal implications. Diethylpropion (DIE) and fenproporex (FEN) are among the central nervous system stimulant most used by drivers in Brazil. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a drug that has properties similar to cocaine and amphetamine (AMP). Its use as a recreational and street drug has increased in recent years and its use has achieved space by the restriction of the marketing of DIE and FEN by the National Agency for Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA) in 2011. The traffic analysis necessarily implies knowledge of the profile of drivers and the prevalence of substance use. To monitor the consumption of substances in transit, validated analytical methods in different biological matrices should be employed and toxicological data interpreted according pharmacokinetics of each substance. It is also known that many motorists buy ATS illegally in gas stations and the Internet. Knowing the chemical profile and detect forgeries of these medications is an essential part in the development and implementation of public policies to prevent the use of ATS in traffic. Objectives: to evaluate the traffic data from southern Brazil, emphasizing the use of substances, age and sex of those involved in traffic accidents; develop and validate chromatographic methods coupled to mass spectrometry for quantification of FEN, DIE and MPH in oral fluid and in plasma; evaluate the profile of counterfeit medications based on ATS. Results: data analysis of traffic accidents with fatalities from June 2008 to November 2010 in the State of Santa Catarina revealed that 11.9 % of cases had positive toxicology results. Cannabinoids (42 %) and cocaine (29.4 %) had the highest prevalence, followed by antidepressants (10.3 %), amphetamines (9.5 %), benzodiazepines (7.1 %) and barbiturates (1.6 %). Most victims (44 %) were aged between 16 and 30 years old and male. A validated method for the simultaneous analysis of AMP, DIE and FEN in plasma samples employing direct immersion-solid phase microextraction (DI-SPME) followed by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analyses (GC-MS) was developed. Deproteinization and derivatization of ATS were employed. The method was linear from 5.0 ngml-1 at 100 ngml-1. The detection limits were 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 ngml-1 for AMP, DIE and FEN respectively. The accuracy ranged from 85.58 to 108.33 % and precision, calculated by the relative standard deviation did not exceed 15 %. The recovery was between 46.35 to 84.46 %. Also was developed and validated a new method for simultaneous determination of FEN, DIE and MPH in oral fluid by liquidchromatography coupled to atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The calibration curves, using an internal standard, demonstrated good linearity throughout the concentration range from 2.5–90 ngml-1 in oral fluid. The lower limit of quantification and the limit of detection were 2.5 and 1.0 ngml-1 respectively for all ATS. Intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy values were within regulatory limits. Matrix effect and carry-over were not detected. Finally, methods have been developed and applied to analysis of seizures of ATS and the results showed the existence of active pharmaceutical (sibutramine) other than that specified on the label of the drug (FEN). The concentrations founded ranging from 1/3 to 2 times the recommended daily dose. Through the statistical analysis of the infrared spectra was possible to distinguish between authentic samples and counterfeit samples and also cluster the counterfeit ATS by their similar profiles. Conclusions: the proposed objectives of this thesis were satisfactorily completed and the results are arranged in the form of five manuscripts. These articles address issues related to substance use in traffic, development and validation of analytical methodologies and analysis of counterfeit medications based on ATS, highlighting the extent and multidisciplinary in the study of amphetamine compounds.