What do we call drugs that are modified by underground chemists to become stronger than the drugs they imitate?

The term used to describe drugs that are chemically altered by underground chemists to have effects that are typically stronger or different from the original drugs they mimic is "designer drugs." These substances are often created to evade legal restrictions and to mimic the effects of controlled substances while altering their chemical structure. This modification can make them more potent or enable them to produce effects that are not found in their standard counterparts.

Designer drugs can pose significant risks as they may lead to unpredictable and dangerous health consequences, given that their effects and safety profiles are often not thoroughly researched or documented. Unlike counterfeit drugs, which are fake versions of legitimate medications, designer drugs are specifically engineered to bypass regulations associated with their illicit counterparts. Thus, understanding the nature of designer drugs is crucial for recognizing the potential dangers they pose within the context of substance use and abuse.