Studies into how synthetic cathinones affect the brain and body have found that they act in the brain in a similar way to cocaine. One study found that MDPV, a common synthetic cathinone, is 10 times more potent than cocaine. The immediate effects of the drug may vary depending on its potency, which compounds are in it, and the person using it. But in general, bath salts can cause some very dangerous psychotic symptoms that can lead a person to be injured in an accident, to become violent, or to get hurt because of poor judgement. Some of the effects include:
Paranoia and delusional thinking
Hallucinations
Delirium
Extreme agitation
Violent behavior
Bath salts can also increase sex drive and lower inhibitions, which puts a user at risk for making bad decisions and engaging in risky sexual behaviors that could lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases.