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Almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of mephedrone due to its short history of its use.<ref>Clubbers are 'turning to new legal high mephedrone' | http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10004366</ref> Along side of this, the median lethal dosage remains unknown and unstudied.<ref>Mephedrone, new kid for the chop? | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20735367</ref>
Almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of mephedrone due to its short history of its use.<ref>Clubbers are 'turning to new legal high mephedrone' | http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10004366</ref> Along side of this, the median lethal dosage remains unknown and unstudied.<ref>Mephedrone, new kid for the chop? | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20735367</ref>


In 2010, unconfirmed reports speculated about the role mephedrone has played in the deaths of several young people in the UK. By July 2010, mephedrone had been alleged to be involved in 52 fatalities in the UK, but detected in only 38 of these cases. Of the nine that coroners had finished investigating, two were caused directly by mephedrone.<ref> Ghodse, H.; Corkery, J.; Ahmed, K.; Naidoo, V.; Oyefeso and, A.; Schifano, F. (July 2010). "Drug-related deaths in the UK: Annual Report 2010". International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's University of London. p. 77. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-01-02. Retrieved 2010-01-02.</ref> The first death reported to be caused by mephedrone use was that of 46-year-old [29] who had underlying health problems and repeatedly injected the drug.[30] A report in Forensic Science International in stated mephedrone intoxication has been recorded as the cause of death in two cases in Scotland.[31]
In 2010, unconfirmed reports speculated about the role mephedrone has played in the deaths of several young people in the UK. By July 2010, mephedrone had been alleged to be involved in 52 fatalities in the UK, but detected in only 38 of these cases. Of the nine that coroners had finished investigating, two were caused directly by mephedrone.<ref> Ghodse, H.; Corkery, J.; Ahmed, K.; Naidoo, V.; Oyefeso and, A.; Schifano, F. (July 2010). "Drug-related deaths in the UK: Annual Report 2010". International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's University of London. p. 77. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-01-02. Retrieved 2010-01-02.</ref> The first death reported to be caused by mephedrone use was that of 46-year-old <ref> "Man from Hove died after injecting mephedrone", BBC News website, 27 May 2010; retrieved on 9 June 2012</ref> who had underlying health problems and repeatedly injected the drug.<ref> "Teenagers' deaths 'not caused by mephedrone'". BBC News. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-20.</ref> A report in Forensic Science International in stated mephedrone intoxication has been recorded as the cause of death in two cases in Scotland.<ref> Torrance, H.; Cooper, G. (2010). "The detection of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) in 4 fatalities in Scotland". Forensic Science International 202 (1): e62–e63. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.07.014. PMID 20685050.</ref>


Despite similarities to known neurotoxins such as [[methamphetamine]] and other [[cathinone]] derivatives, mephedrone does not appear to produce neurotoxic effects in the dopamine system of mice.<ref>Mephedrone, an abused psychoactive component of 'bath salts' and methamphetamine congener, does not cause neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22191803</ref>  
Despite similarities to known neurotoxins such as [[methamphetamine]] and other [[cathinone]] derivatives, mephedrone does not appear to produce neurotoxic effects in the dopamine system of mice.<ref>Mephedrone, an abused psychoactive component of 'bath salts' and methamphetamine congener, does not cause neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22191803</ref>  

Revision as of 07:13, 17 March 2016

Mephedrone
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names Mephedrone, 4-MMC, Drone, M-CAT, Meow Meow
Substitutive name 4-Methylmethcathinone
Systematic name (RS)-2-Methylamino-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one
Class Membership
Psychoactive class Stimulant / Entactogen
Chemical class Cathinone
Routes of Administration

WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.



⇣ Oral
Dosage
Threshold 15 mg
Light 50 - 100 mg
Common 100 - 200 mg
Strong 200 - 300 mg
Heavy 300 mg +
Duration
Total 3 - 6 hours
Onset 15 - 45 minutes
Come up 15 - 30 minutes
Peak 2 - 4 hours
Offset 45 - 90 minutes
After effects 2 - 4 hours



⇣ Insufflated
Dosage
Threshold 5 mg
Light 15 - 45 mg
Common 45 - 80 mg
Strong 80 - 125 mg
Heavy 125 mg +
Duration
Total 1.5 - 3 hours
Onset 5 - 8 minutes
Come up 15 - 30 minutes
Peak 45 - 60 minutes
Offset 30 - 90 minutes
After effects 2 - 4 hours






DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.

Interactions
MAOIs
Serotonin releasers
SSRIs
5-HTP
Summary sheet: Mephedrone

Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC) or 4-methylephedrone, is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes. Slang names for the drug include drone,[1] M-CAT,[2] and meow meow.[3] It is chemically similar to the cathinone compounds found in the khat plant of eastern Africa. It comes in the form of tablets or a powder, which users can swallow, snort, inject or insert rectally producing effects which are somewhat similar to that MDMA, amphetamine, and cocaine.

Mephedrone was first synthesised in 1929, but did not become widely known until it was rediscovered in 2003. By 2007, mephedrone was reported to be available for sale on the internet, by 2008 law enforcement agencies had become aware of the compound, and by 2010 it had been reported in most of Europe, becoming particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom.

Chemistry

Mephedrone, or 4-methylmethcathinone, is a synthetic molecule of the cathinone family. Cathinones are structurally similar to amphetamines, they contain a phenethylamine core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH2) group through an ethyl chain with an additional methyl substitution at Rα. Amphetamines and cathinones are alpha-methylated phenethylamines, cathinones contain an additional carbonyl group at R1. Mephedrone contains an additional methyl substitutions at RN, similarly to MDMA and methamphetamine, and R4 of its phenyl ring.

Pharmacology

Given its chemical structure, mephedrone is likely to act as a releasing agent and a reuptake inhibitor for monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline.[4]

Several articles published near the end of 2011 examined the effects of mephedrone in the brains of rats, as well as examining the reinforcing potential of mephedrone. Dopamine and serotonin were collected using microdialysis, and increases in dopamine and serotonin were measured. Mephedrone administration caused about a 500% increase in dopamine, and about a 950% increase in serotonin. They reached their peak concentrations at 40 minutes and 20 minutes and returned to baseline by 120 minutes after injection.

Analysis of the ratio for dopamine and serotonin indicated mephedrone was preferentially a serotonin releaser, with a ratio of 1.22:1 (serotonin vs. dopamine). Additionally, half-lives for the decrease in dopamine and serotonin were calculated and found to have decay rates of 24.5 minutes and 25.5 minutes.

These findings show mephedrone induces a massive increase in both dopamine and serotonin, combined with rapid clearance. This increase in neurotransmitters provides an explanation for the euphoric and stimulating subjective effects induced by this experience. The rapid rise and subsequent fall of dopamine levels could also explain some of the addictive properties of mephedrone display in some users.[5][6]

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

The physical effects of mephedrone can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:

  • Spontaneous tactile sensations - The "body high" of mephedrone can be described as a moderate to extreme euphoric tingling sensation that encompasses the entire body. It is capable of becoming overwhelmingly pleasurable at higher dosages. This sensation maintains a consistent presence that steadily rises with the onset and hits its limit once the peak has been reached.
  • Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, mephedrone is commonly considered to be extremely stimulating and energetic. This encourages activities such as running, climbing and dancing in a way that makes mephedrone a popular choice for musical events such as festivals and raves. The particular style of stimulation which mephedrone presents can be described as forced. This means that at higher dosages it becomes difficult or impossible to keep still, as jaw clenching, involuntarily bodily shakes and vibrations become present, resulting in an extreme unsteadiness of the hands and a general lack of motor control.
  • Vibrating vision - A person's eyeballs may begin to spontaneously wiggle back and forth in a rapid motion, causing vision to become blurry and temporarily out of focus-- a condition known as nystagmus.
  • Dehydration - Dry mouth and dehydration are a universal experience with mephedrone and are a product of an increased heart rate and extreme motivation to engage in strenuous physical activities. While it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when out dancing in a hot environment, there is a potential possibility of suffering from water intoxication through over-drinking so it is advised that users simply sip at water and never over drink.
  • Difficulty urinating - Higher doses of mephedrone result in an overall difficulty when it comes to urination, an effect that is completely temporary and harmless.
  • Vasoconstriction - A survey conducted by the UK's National Addiction Centre reported that 15% of mephedrone users experienced cold or blue fingers and lips[7] indicative of vasoconstriction occurring.[8]
  • Tactile enhancement
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased perspiration
  • Increased blood pressure

Cognitive effects

The cognitive effects of mephedrone can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of mephedrone is described by many as one of extreme mental stimulation and powerful euphoria. It contains a large number of typical stimulant cognitive effects.

The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:

Toxicity and harm potential

Main article: Research chemicals § Toxicity and harm potential

Almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of mephedrone due to its short history of its use.[9] Along side of this, the median lethal dosage remains unknown and unstudied.[10]

In 2010, unconfirmed reports speculated about the role mephedrone has played in the deaths of several young people in the UK. By July 2010, mephedrone had been alleged to be involved in 52 fatalities in the UK, but detected in only 38 of these cases. Of the nine that coroners had finished investigating, two were caused directly by mephedrone.[11] The first death reported to be caused by mephedrone use was that of 46-year-old [12] who had underlying health problems and repeatedly injected the drug.[13] A report in Forensic Science International in stated mephedrone intoxication has been recorded as the cause of death in two cases in Scotland.[14]

Despite similarities to known neurotoxins such as methamphetamine and other cathinone derivatives, mephedrone does not appear to produce neurotoxic effects in the dopamine system of mice.[15]

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Tolerance develops rapidly in mephedrone abuse, so periods of extended use require increasing doses of the drug in order to achieve the same effect. Addiction is a serious risk with heavy recreational mephedrone use, but is unlikely to arise from occasional and responsible usage.

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

  • "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] & "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with Mephedrone should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
  • "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
  • "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
  • "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
  • "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
  • "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
  • "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Mephedrone may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
  • "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold[16] and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
  • MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with other stimulants.
  • Cocaine - This combination will increase strain on the heart.

Serotonin syndrome risk

Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.

  • European Union (EU): In October 2010, a European Union commission called for an EU-wide ban of mephedrone.[18]
  • Australia: Mephedrone has been added to the Australian federal drug watch list and is now considered illegal if intended for human consumption.
  • Belgium: Mephedrone was banned on April 29, 2010, by making it a regulated drug requiring the approval of the Ministry of Human Health to import, sell, or possess.
  • Brazil: Mephedrone was added to the list of Scheduled drugs (class F2), making it illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture without a license as of August 2011.[19]
  • China: Mephedrone was made a Category I psychotropic substance, making it illegal to sell, buy, import, export, and manufacture as of September 2010.
  • Denmark: Denmark's Minister for Health and Prevention Jakob Axel Nielsen banned mephedrone, flephedrone and ethylcathinone on December 18, 2008. As of July 1, 2012, Denmark also created a type of analogue law that would include cathinones like mephedrone[20]
  • Finland: Through the Medicines Act, mephedrone is classified as a "medicinal product", making it illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or transfer it without a prescription.
  • France: French Ministry of Health decided in early June 2010 to add mephedrone to the list of illicit substances in the "Journal Officiel du 11 juin 2010".[21]
  • Germany (Deutschland): Mephedrone has been added to Anlage I starting Jan 22, 2010 and will then be controlled in Germany.[22]
  • Israel: In December 2007, mephedrone was added to Israel's list of controlled substances, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess. [23]
  • Netherlands: In March, 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Health and the Medicines Authority IGZ informed the Ministry of Justice that they now consider mephedrone an unregulated medicine; sales and distribution of it are now prohibited.
  • Norway: The "Derivatbestemmelsen" is an Analog Act-type law in Norway that controls mephedrone, Bk-MBDB, Bromo-Dragonfly, 1,4butanediol, GBL, and MBDB.[24]
  • Poland: On August 25, 2010, mephedrone was added to the list of controlled "psychotropic drugs" in the I-P group.[25]
  • Romania: Mephedrone was added to Romania's list of controlled substances in February 2010.[26]
  • Russia: Mephedrone is classified as List 1 in Russian Federation as of August 2010. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute.[27]
  • Slovak Republic: Starting March 1, 2011 mephedrone is controlled in the Slovak Republic. [28]
  • Sweden: In Sweden, the drug is classified as a health hazard. A ban on mephedrone went into effect on December 15, 2008, making its sale illegal. Use of 4-methylmethcathinone is not explicitly illegal under this regulation.
  • United Kingdom: Mephedrone is a Class B drug; it is illegal to possess without the proper license or prescription as of April 16, 2010.
  • USA: Mephedrone is currently a Schedule I drug in the United States. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute (sell, trade or give) without a DEA license.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mephedrone: Chemistry lessons | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7614099/Mephedrone-Chemistry-lessons.html
  2. ↑ Drugs crackdown hailed a success | http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8555872.stm
  3. ↑ Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; ‘meow meow’): chemical, pharmacological and clinical issues | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00213-010-2070-x
  4. ↑ What should be done about mephedrone? | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332508
  5. ↑ Mephedrone, compared with MDMA (ecstasy) and amphetamine, rapidly increases both dopamine and 5-HT levels in nucleus accumbens of awake rats | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246659/
  6. ↑ 4-Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone): neuropharmacological effects of a designer stimulant of abuse | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21810934?dopt=Abstract
  7. ↑ Clubbers are 'turning to new legal high mephedrone' | http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10004366
  8. ↑ Clinical characteristics of mephedrone toxicity reported to the U.K. National Poisons Information Service | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20798084
  9. ↑ Clubbers are 'turning to new legal high mephedrone' | http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10004366
  10. ↑ Mephedrone, new kid for the chop? | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20735367
  11. ↑ Ghodse, H.; Corkery, J.; Ahmed, K.; Naidoo, V.; Oyefeso and, A.; Schifano, F. (July 2010). "Drug-related deaths in the UK: Annual Report 2010". International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's University of London. p. 77. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-01-02. Retrieved 2010-01-02.
  12. ↑ "Man from Hove died after injecting mephedrone", BBC News website, 27 May 2010; retrieved on 9 June 2012
  13. ↑ "Teenagers' deaths 'not caused by mephedrone'". BBC News. 28 May 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  14. ↑ Torrance, H.; Cooper, G. (2010). "The detection of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) in 4 fatalities in Scotland". Forensic Science International 202 (1): e62–e63. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.07.014. PMID 20685050.
  15. ↑ Mephedrone, an abused psychoactive component of 'bath salts' and methamphetamine congener, does not cause neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22191803
  16. ↑ Talaie, H.; Panahandeh, R.; Fayaznouri, M. R.; Asadi, Z.; Abdollahi, M. (2009). "Dose-independent occurrence of seizure with tramadol". Journal of Medical Toxicology. 5 (2): 63–67. doi:10.1007/BF03161089. eISSN 1937-6995. ISSN 1556-9039. OCLC 163567183. 
  17. ↑ Gillman, P. K. (2005). "Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, opioid analgesics and serotonin toxicity". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 95 (4): 434–441. doi:10.1093/bja/aei210 Freely accessible. eISSN 1471-6771. ISSN 0007-0912. OCLC 01537271. PMID 16051647. 
  18. ↑ http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-10-1355_en.htm?locale=en
  19. ↑ http://www.anvisa.gov.br/hotsite/talidomida/legis/RDC_36_2011.pdf
  20. ↑ https://www.retsinformation.dk/forms/R0710.aspx?id=140430
  21. ↑ http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/la-mephedrone-classee-comme-stupefiant.html
  22. ↑ http://www.buzer.de/gesetz/9164/index.htm
  23. ↑ http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=181254
  24. ↑ legemiddelverket.no
  25. ↑ http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20101430962
  26. ↑ http://salviadivinorum.ro/noile-substante-intezise/
  27. ↑ http://gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2010/08/04/n_1529350.shtml
  28. ↑ http://www.nrsr.sk/Dynamic/Download.aspx?DocID=350863
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