Mephedrone

STIMULANT & ENTACTOGEN CLASS

4-METHYLMETHCATHINONE

• Also known as mephedrone, 4-MMC, or M-CAT
• Synthetic cathinone often mis-sold as MDMA. Linked to some deaths overseas.
• HARM REDUCTION PRACTICES ARE ESSENTIAL

DOSAGES

EFFECTS

You may experience any of the listed effects at any dosage due to variations in body weight and metabolism. A lower dose is recommended if under 80kgs.

LIGHT/COMMON DOSE

+    Energetic
+    Empathetic, affectionate & chatty
+    Euphoria
+/- Tingling sensation
+/- Disinhibition & ego inflation
+/- Thoughts & time “speeding up”
+/- Appetite suppression
+/- Sweating/chills
+/- Increased sex drive
–    Dehydration
–    Anxiety
–    Vibrating vision
–    Teeth grinding

HIGH/DANGEROUS DOSE

–    Difficulty urinating
–    Insomnia
*    Abnormal & fast heart rate
*    Chills/excessive sweating
*    Muscle contractions & spasms

There is limited data on effects at higher doses, though one might expect them to be similar to that of other stimulants.

If you or a friend are experiencing overdose symptoms (*), seek medical attention immediately and be honest about what you/they have taken. See the overdose cheat sheet for more information.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND

Approach with extreme caution. If you are going to take it, take only a fraction of the expected dose and wait at least an hour before taking more. Limited information is available on the effects of mephedrone.

1. Only carry as much as you intend to take.
   Mephedrone may have strong redose compulsion, with many people redosing every 1-2 hours. Repeated redosing can lead to restlessness and insomnia, and eventually psychosis.
2. Do not use if currently using anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medication
   SSRIs and MAOIs act on the same part of the brain as mephedrone. Using it while on these types of medication can mean you will not feel any of the positive effects. It also puts you at risk for serotonin syndrome which can be deadly. Read more on the Serotonin Syndrome cheat sheet.
3. Do not use if you have cardiovascular issues
   Stimulants typically increase heart rate and blood pressure which can be particularly dangerous for people with cardiovascular issues.

WE RECOMMEND

1. Avoid alcohol and taking other substances
   Combining substances is always risky as the effects can be unpredictable. Stimulants mask the sedative effects of alcohol so it is difficult to tell how intoxicated you are. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects of alcohol are left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and difficulty in breathing. Mephedrone should also not be combined with other stimulants as it increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
2. Keep hydrated and take regular breaks from dancing
   It can be difficult to notice you are overheating or dehydrated. Aim to drink 250 mL (a cup) of water per hour.
3. Make sure you stay with trusted friends who know what you have taken
   Look out for each other! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask someone to help you get a snack or sugary drink and take a break in a quiet place with fresh air.
4. Ensure you have enthusiastic consent and safe sex equipment
   Increased sex drive is common but ability to make good judgements may be decreased. Always ensure you have enthusiastic consent and have condoms or dental dams and lube with you.
5. Plan an easy recovery
   Most people experience low mood and motivation the next day as your serotonin is depleted. Make sure you don’t have any commitments the next day and can catch up on sleep. You may find that you don’t have much of an appetite the following day, so make sure you have small, easy-to-eat snacks to keep you going.
6. Wait at least a month between each use
   Have at least a month between times where you’ve taken mephedrone to give your body and brain time to recover. Using stimulants more frequently can negatively impact your study, relationships, mood, and financial position.

DURATION

INFORMATION SOURCED FROM: Psychonaut 13/05/21 and Tripsit 13/05/21