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Talk:4-MEC: Difference between revisions
>David Hedlund 4-Methylethcathinone |
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{ | {{SummarySheet}} | ||
{{SubstanceBox/4-MEC}} | |||
'''4-Methylethcathinone''' (also known as '''4-MEC''') is an [[psychoactive class::entactogen|entactogenic]] [[psychoactive class::stimulant]] substance of the [[chemical class::cathinone]] class. | |||
It is chemically similar to the [[cathinone]] compounds found in the [[khat]] plant of eastern Africa. It comes in the form of a powder, which users can swallow, snort, inject or insert rectally producing effects which are somewhat similar to that [[MDMA]], [[amphetamine]], and [[cocaine]]. | |||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
4-MEC, or 4-methylethcathinone, is a synthetic molecule of the [[Substituted cathinone|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 R<sub>α</sub>. Amphetamines and cathinones are alpha-methylated phenethylamines, cathinones contain an additional carbonyl group at R<sub>1</sub>. 4-MEC contains an additional ethyl substitutions at R<sub>N</sub> and a methyl substitution at R<sub>4</sub> of its phenyl ring. | |||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
Given its chemical structure, | {{pharmacology}} | ||
Given its chemical structure, 4-MEC is likely to act as a [[releasing agent]] and a [[reuptake inhibitor]] for monoamine [[neurotransmitters]] such as [[dopamine]], [[serotonin]] and [[noradrenaline]]. | |||
4-MEC is likely to have a similar pharmacological profile to mephedrone. | |||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | {{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}} | ||
{{effects/base | |||
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, | |||
|{{effects/physical| | |||
*'''[[Effect::Stimulation]]''' - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, 4-MEC is commonly considered to be extremely stimulating and energetic. This encourages activities such as running, climbing and dancing in a way that makes 4-MEC a popular choice for musical events such as festivals and raves. The particular style of stimulation which mekhedrone 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. | |||
*'''[[Effect::Spontaneous tactile sensations]]''' - The "body high" of 4-MEC 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. | |||
*'''[[Effect::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. | *'''[[Effect::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. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Dehydration]]''' - Dry mouth and dehydration are a universal experience with mekhedrone 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. | *'''[[Effect::Dehydration]]''' - Dry mouth and dehydration are a universal experience with mekhedrone 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. | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]''' - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of [[MDMA]]. | *'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]''' - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of [[MDMA]]. | ||
}} | |||
The cognitive effects of | |{{effects/cognitive| | ||
The cognitive effects of 4-MEC can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of 4-MEC is described by many as one of extreme mental stimulation and powerful euphoria. It contains a large number of typical [[Stimulants|stimulant]] cognitive effects. | |||
The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include: | The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria|Euphoria]]''' - Strong emotional euphoria and feelings of happiness are present within | *'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria|Euphoria]]''' - Strong emotional euphoria and feelings of happiness are present within 4-MEC and are likely a direct result of serotonin and dopamine release. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Thought acceleration]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Thought acceleration]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Analysis enhancement]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement]]''' - This particular effect, although distinct, is far less prominent than the same effect found within traditional [[entactogens]] such as [[MDMA]] or [[2C-B]] | *'''[[Effect::Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement]]''' - This particular effect, although distinct, is far less prominent than the same effect found within traditional [[entactogens]] such as [[MDMA]] or [[2C-B]] | ||
*'''[[Effect::Time distortion]]''' - Strong feelings of time compression are common within | *'''[[Effect::Time distortion]]''' - Strong feelings of time compression are common within 4-MEC and speed up the experience of time quite noticeable. | ||
*'''[[Effect::Ego inflation]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Ego inflation]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]] | *'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]] | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]''' | ||
}} | |||
|{{effects/aftereffects | |||
The effects which occur during the [[offset]] of a [[stimulant]] experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its [[peak]]. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of [[neurotransmitter]] depletion. Its effects commonly include: | The effects which occur during the [[offset]] of a [[stimulant]] experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its [[peak]]. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of [[neurotransmitter]] depletion. Its effects commonly include: | ||
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Anxiety]]''' | ||
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*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]''' | ||
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' | *'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]''' | ||
}} | |||
}} | |||
===Experience reports=== | ===Experience reports=== | ||
There are currently | There are currently {{#ask:[[Category:SUBSTANCE]][[Category:Experience]] | format=count}} experience reports which describe the effects of this substance in our [[experience index]]. | ||
{{#ask: [[Category:SUBSTANCE]][[Category:Experience]]|format=ul|Columns=1}} | |||
Additional experience reports can be found here: | |||
* [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_4Methylethcathinone.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: 4-Methylethcathinone] | * [https://www.erowid.org/experiences/subs/exp_4Methylethcathinone.shtml Erowid Experience Vaults: 4-Methylethcathinone] | ||
==Toxicity and harm potential== | ==Toxicity and harm potential== | ||
{{toxicity}} | |||
{{Further|Research chemicals#Toxicity and harm potential}} | {{Further|Research chemicals#Toxicity and harm potential}} | ||
Almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of | Almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of 4-MEC due to its short history of its use. The [[Toxicity::exact toxic dosage is unknown]]. | ||
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug. | It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this drug. | ||
===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ===Tolerance and addiction potential=== | ||
As with other [[stimulant]]s, the chronic use of | As with other [[stimulant]]s, the chronic use of 4-MEC can be considered [[Addiction potential::moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse]] and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and [[withdrawal effects]] may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage. | ||
Tolerance to many of the effects of | Tolerance to many of the effects of 4-MEC [[Time to full tolerance::develops with prolonged and repeated use]]. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 2 weeks]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 4-MEC presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[dopamine]]rgic [[stimulant]]s]], meaning that after the consumption of 4-MEC all [[stimulant]]s will have a reduced effect. | ||
===Dangerous interactions=== | ===Dangerous interactions=== | ||
{{DangerousInteractions}} | |||
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}} | {{DangerousInteractions/Intro}} | ||
{{DangerousInteractions/Stimulants|self=[[Substituted cathinone|cathinone]]s}} | {{DangerousInteractions/Stimulants|self=[[Substituted cathinone|cathinone]]s}} | ||
====[[Serotonin syndrome]] risk==== | ====[[Serotonin syndrome]] risk==== | ||
{{DangerousInteractions/SerotoninSyndrome}} | {{DangerousInteractions/SerotoninSyndrome}} | ||
==Legal | ==Legal status== | ||
{{LegalStub}} | |||
*'''France''': As a derivative of cathinone with an alkyl substitution on the phenyl group, 4-MEC is scheduled as a "stupéfiant", i.e. a recognized drug of abuse. It is illegal to possess, buy, sell or manufacture.<ref>{{Citation | title=Arrêté du 22 février 1990 fixant la liste des substances classées comme stupéfiants | url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000000533085/2020-11-20/}}</ref> | |||
*'''Turkey:''' 4-MEC is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.<ref>Bakanlar Kurulu Kararı Karar Sayısı : 2013/4827 | https://free-ankara.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BKK_2013_4827_28688.pdf</ref> | |||
*'''United Kingdom:''' It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016. <ref>http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted</ref> | *'''United Kingdom:''' It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016. <ref>http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted</ref> | ||
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*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
*[[Stimulants]] | *[[Stimulants]] | ||
*[[Substituted cathinone | *[[Substituted cathinone]] | ||
*[[Amphetamine]] | *[[Amphetamine]] | ||
*[[MDMA]] | *[[MDMA]] | ||
*[[Cocaine]] | *[[Cocaine]] | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-Methylethcathinone 4-Methylethcathinone (Wikipedia)] | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-Methylethcathinone 4-Methylethcathinone (Wikipedia)] | ||
*[https://erowid.org/chemicals/4_methylethcathinone/ 4-Methylethcathinone (Erowid Vault)] | *[https://erowid.org/chemicals/4_methylethcathinone/ 4-Methylethcathinone (Erowid Vault)] | ||
*[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=2372 4-MEC (Isomer Design)] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Articles in talk page]] | |||
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]] | [[Category:Psychoactive substance]] | ||
[[Category:Research chemical]] | |||
[[Category:Cathinone]] | [[Category:Cathinone]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Stimulant]] | ||
[[Category:Entactogen]] | |||
{{#set:Featured=true}} | {{#set:Featured=true}} | ||