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{{Experience reports|erowid_experience_substance_label=4-Methylmethcathinone}}
 
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{{Substance
{{SummarySheet}}
|name=Mephedrone
{{SubstanceBox/Mephedrone}}
|abbreviation=
|img-skel=File:Mephedrone.png
|img-skel-width=291px
|img-3d=File:Mephedrone3D.gif
|img-3d-width=251px
|dosage-note=
|dosage-method=Oral
|dosage-threshold=15 - 50 mg
|dosage-light=50 - 100 mg
|dosage-common=100 - 200 mg
|dosage-strong=150 - 300+ mg
|dosage-method=Insufflated
|dosage-threshold=5 - 15 mg
|dosage-light=15 - 25 mg
|dosage-common=20 - 80 mg
|dosage-strong=75 - 125 mg
|duration-method=
|duration-total=2 - 5 hrs
|duration-onset=15 - 45 mins
|duration-coming-up=15 - 30 mins
|duration-peak=15 - 30 mins
|duration-coming-down=30 - 90 mins
|duration-after-effects=2 - 4 hrs
}} {{Stub}} '''Mephedrone''', also known as '''4-methylmethcathinone''' ('''4-MMC''') or '''4-methylephedrone''', is a synthetic stimulant drug of the [[amphetamine]] and [[cathinone]] classes. Slang names include '''drone''',<ref>Mephedrone: Chemistry lessons | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7614099/Mephedrone-Chemistry-lessons.html</ref> '''M-CAT''',<ref>Drugs crackdown hailed a success | http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8555872.stm</ref> and '''meow meow'''.<ref>Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; ‘meow meow’): chemical, pharmacological and clinical issues | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00213-010-2070-x</ref> 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.
'''4-Methylmethcathinone''' (also known as '''4-MMC''', '''M-CAT''', '''drone''', '''meow meow''', and '''mephedrone'''<ref name="Schifano2011">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Schifano, F.)), ((Albanese, A.)), ((Fergus, S.)), ((Stair, J. L.)), ((Deluca, P.)), ((Corazza, O.)), ((Davey, Z.)), ((Corkery, J.)), ((Siemann, H.)), ((Scherbaum, N.)), ((Farre’, M.)), ((Torrens, M.)), ((Demetrovics, Z.)), ((Ghodse, A. H.)), ((Psychonaut Web Mapping)), ((ReDNet Research Groups)) | journal=Psychopharmacology | title=Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; ‘meow meow’): chemical, pharmacological and clinical issues | volume=214 | issue=3 | pages=593–602 | date=1 April 2011 | url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-010-2070-x | issn=1432-2072 | doi=10.1007/s00213-010-2070-x}}</ref>) is a novel [[psychoactive class::entactogen]]-[[psychoactive class::stimulant]] substance of the [[chemical class::cathinone]] class. Mephedrone belongs to a group known as the [[substituted cathinones]], which are derivatives of the active ingredient in the khat plant (''Catha edulluis''). It is thought to produce its effects by promoting the release of the [[neurotransmitters]] [[serotonin]], [[dopamine]], and [[norepinephrine]] in the brain.{{citation needed}}
 
Mephedrone was first synthesized in 1929, but did not become widely known until it was rediscovered in 2003. In 2007 it 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.{{citation needed}}
 
[[Subjective effects]] include [[stimulation]], [[anxiety suppression]], [[disinhibition]], [[empathy, affection, and sociability enhancement|enhanced empathy and sociability]], [[muscle relaxation|relaxation]], [[increased libido]], and [[euphoria]]. It is reported to produce a mixture of classic [[stimulant]] and [[entactogen]]ic effects reminiscent of [[cocaine]] and [[MDMA]].<ref name="Schifano2011" /> It comes in the form of tablets or a powder, which users can swallow, snort, inject or insert rectally. It is also sometimes sold as [[MDMA]] ("molly").
 
Limited data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of mephedrone, and it has little history of human use. Preliminary evidence suggests it may possess neurotoxic and cardiotoxic properties.{{citation needed}} It is highly advised to use [[harm reduction practices]] if using this substance.  


==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
Mephedrone, or 4-methylmethcathinone, 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>.  Mephedrone contains an additional methyl substitutions at R<sub>N</sub>, similarly to [[MDMA]] and [[methamphetamine]], and R<sub>4</sub> of its phenyl ring.


==Pharmacology==
==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]].<ref>What should be done about mephedrone? | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20332508</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Winstock, A. R.)), ((Marsden, J.)), ((Mitcheson, L.)) | journal=BMJ (Clinical research ed.) | title=What should be done about mephedrone? | volume=340 | pages=c1605 | date=23 March 2010 | issn=1756-1833 | doi=10.1136/bmj.c1605}}</ref>


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.  
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]] [[Releasing agent|releaser]], with a ratio of 1.22:1 ([[serotonin]] vs. [[dopamine]]). Additionally, half-lives for the decrease in DA and 5-HT 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 mephedrone displays in some users.<ref>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/</ref><ref>4-Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone): neuropharmacological effects of a designer stimulant of abuse | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21810934?dopt=Abstract</ref>
Analysis of the ratio for dopamine and serotonin indicated mephedrone was preferentially a [[serotonin]] [[Releasing agent|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.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Kehr, J.)), ((Ichinose, F.)), ((Yoshitake, S.)), ((Goiny, M.)), ((Sievertsson, T.)), ((Nyberg, F.)), ((Yoshitake, T.)) | journal=British Journal of Pharmacology | title=Mephedrone, compared with MDMA (ecstasy) and amphetamine, rapidly increases both dopamine and 5-HT levels in nucleus accumbens of awake rats | volume=164 | issue=8 | pages=1949–1958 | date= December 2011 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246659/ | issn=0007-1188 | doi=10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01499.x}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hadlock, G. C.)), ((Webb, K. M.)), ((McFadden, L. M.)), ((Chu, P. W.)), ((Ellis, J. D.)), ((Allen, S. C.)), ((Andrenyak, D. M.)), ((Vieira-Brock, P. L.)), ((German, C. L.)), ((Conrad, K. M.)), ((Hoonakker, A. J.)), ((Gibb, J. W.)), ((Wilkins, D. G.)), ((Hanson, G. R.)), ((Fleckenstein, A. E.)) | journal=The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | title=4-Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone): neuropharmacological effects of a designer stimulant of abuse | volume=339 | issue=2 | pages=530–536 | date= November 2011 | issn=1521-0103 | doi=10.1124/jpet.111.184119}}</ref>


==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
===[[Physical effects - Psychedelics|Physical effects]]===
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
The physical effects of mephedrone can be broken down into five components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. These are described below and generally include:
 
{{effects/base
|{{effects/physical|
 
*'''[[Effect::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.
*'''[[Effect::Spontaneous physical sensations]]''' - The "body high" of mephedrone can be described as a moderate to extremely 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::Physical euphoria]]'''
*'''[[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 opsoclonus.
*'''[[Effect::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.
*'''[[Effect::Difficulty urinating]]''' - Higher doses of mephedrone result in an overall difficulty when it comes to urination, an effect that is completely temporary and thought to be harmless.
*'''[[Effect::Vasoconstriction]]''' - A survey conducted by the UK's National Addiction Centre reported that 15% of mephedrone users experienced cold or blue fingers and lips<ref name="Clubbers2010">{{Citation | year=2010 | title=Clubbers are “turning to new legal high mephedrone” | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10004366}}</ref> indicative of vasoconstriction occurring.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((James, D.)), ((Adams, R. D.)), ((Spears, R.)), ((Cooper, G.)), ((Lupton, D. J.)), ((Thompson, J. P.)), ((Thomas, S. H. L.)), ((National Poisons Information Service)) | journal=Emergency medicine journal: EMJ | title=Clinical characteristics of mephedrone toxicity reported to the U.K. National Poisons Information Service | volume=28 | issue=8 | pages=686–689 | date= August 2011 | issn=1472-0213 | doi=10.1136/emj.2010.096636}}</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Tactile enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased heart rate]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased perspiration]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased blood pressure]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Body odor alteration]]''' - Mephedrone can potentially leave a very distinct and unpleasant odor within one's urine, sweat and general bodily secretions which is often described as smelling similar to cat urine.<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((Fort, H.)) | year=2015 | title=Does your child smell of cat wee? It could be meow meow | url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/symptoms-mephedrone-use-extreme-weight-5130803}}</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Teeth grinding]]''' - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of [[MDMA]].
 
}}
|{{effects/cognitive|
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 [[Stimulants|stimulant]] cognitive effects.
 
The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include:


*'''[[Physical effects: Spontaneous tactile sensations|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.
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - Strong emotional euphoria and feelings of happiness are present within mephedrone and are likely a direct result of serotonin and dopamine release.
*'''[[Physical effects: Enhancement of touch|Enhancement of touch]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Thought acceleration]]'''
*'''[[Physical effects: Stimulation|Stimulation]]''' - in terms of its effects on the users 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 and involuntarily bodily shakes and vibrations become present, resulting in an extreme unsteadiness of the hands and a general lack of motor control.  
*'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]'''
*'''[[Visual effects: Vibrating vision|Vibrating vision]]''' - a person's eyeballs may even 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::Ego inflation]]'''
*'''[[Physical effects: Dehydration|Dehydration]]''' - dry mouth and dehydration are a universal experience with MDMA and a product of increased heart rate and an extreme motivation to engage in strenuous physical activities that it induces. While it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when out dancing in a hot environment, there have been a number of users suffering from [[water intoxication]] through over drinking so it is advised that users simply sip at water and never over drink.
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]'''
*'''[[Physical effects: Difficult urinating|Difficulty urinating]]''' - higher doses of MDMA result in an overall difficulty when it comes to urination, an effect that is completely temporary and harmless, due to MDMA’s promotion of the release of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is responsible for regulating urination. This effect can be lessened by simply relaxing but can be significantly relieved by placing a hot flannel over the genitals to warm them up and encourage blood flow.
*'''[[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 mephedrone and speed up the experience of time quite noticeably.
*'''[[Effect::Motivation enhancement]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]''' - The urge to redose is notoriously strong.
*'''[[Effect::Increased libido]]''' - This effect is one of the most powerful among entactogens.
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''


===[[Cognitive effects - Psychedelics|Cognitive effects]]===
}}
The cognitive effects of MDMA can be broken down into ten components all of which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of MDMA is described by many as one of extreme mental stimulation, feelings of love or empathy and powerful euphoria. It contains a large number of typical [[Psychedelics|Psychedelic]], [[Entactogens|Entactogenic]] and [[Stimulants|Stimulant]] cognitive effects.
{{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:
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive fatigue]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Depression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Irritability]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Motivation suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
}}
}}
===Experience reports===
{{Experience reports|erowid_experience_substance_label=4-Methylmethcathinone}}


The most prominent of these cognitive effects generally include,
==Toxicity and harm potential==
[[File:HarmCausedByDrugsTable.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Table from the 2010 ISCD study ranking various drugs (legal and illegal) based on statements by drug-harm experts. Mephedrone was found to be the 13th overall most dangerous drug.<ref name="Nutt_2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nutt DJ, King LA, Phillips LD | title = Drug harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis | journal = Lancet | volume = 376 | issue = 9752 | pages = 1558–1565 | date = November 2010 | pmid = 21036393 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61462-6 | s2cid = 5667719 | citeseerx = 10.1.1.690.1283 }}</ref>]]
{{Further|Research chemicals#Toxicity and harm potential}}


*'''[[Cognitive effects: Euphoria|Euphoria]]''' - strong emotional euphoria and feelings of happiness are present within MDMA and likely a direct result of serotonin and dopamine release.
Almost nothing is known about the long-term effects of mephedrone due to its short history of its use.<ref name="Clubbers2010" /> Along side of this, the [[Toxicity::exact toxic dosage is unknown]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Winstock, A. R.)), ((Mitcheson, L. R.)), ((Deluca, P.)), ((Davey, Z.)), ((Corazza, O.)), ((Schifano, F.)) | journal=Addiction (Abingdon, England) | title=Mephedrone, new kid for the chop? | volume=106 | issue=1 | pages=154–161 | date= January 2011 | issn=1360-0443 | doi=10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03130.x}}</ref>
*'''[[Cognitive effects: Acceleration of thought|Acceleration of thought]]'''
*'''[[Cognitive effects: Increased empathy, love and sociability|Increased empathy, love and sociability]]''' - this particular effect is the more pronounced, powerful and therapeutic with mephedrone than any other known substance. It is the most obvious and noticeable effect within any mephedrone experience and dominates the head space. With time and repeated use however, this effect becomes severely diminished as the perspective it instils becomes fully grounded and already in place, making people feel merely stimulated and euphoric with no new found urges to communicate with others. Some users report that mephedrone 'loses its magic' with as few as 10 experiences, while others have reported hundreds of uses before the empathic qualities disappear. This does not appear to be true for all users, however, with many users reporting that they have not experienced any decrease in quality of the experience despite dozens or even hundreds of uses.
*'''[[Cognitive effects: Time distortion|Time distortion]]''' - strong feelings of time compression are common within mephedrone and speed up the experience of time quite noticeable.


==Toxicity and Harm Potential==
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>{{Citation | year=2010 | title=Man from Hove died after injecting mephedrone | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10176982 | access-date=9 June 2012}}</ref> who had underlying health problems and repeatedly injected the drug.<ref>{{Citation | year=2010 | title=Teenagers’ deaths “not caused by mephedrone” | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10184803 | access-date=20 September 2010}}</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>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Torrance, H.)), ((Cooper, G.)) | journal=Forensic Science International | title=The detection of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) in 4 fatalities in Scotland | volume=202 | issue=1–3 | pages=e62-63 | date=10 October 2010 | issn=1872-6283 | doi=10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.07.014}}</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>


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 [[Substituted cathinone|cathinone]] derivatives, mephedrone does not appear to produce neurotoxic effects in the dopamine system of mice.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Angoa-Pérez, M.)), ((Kane, M. J.)), ((Francescutti, D. M.)), ((Sykes, K. E.)), ((Shah, M. M.)), ((Mohammed, A. M.)), ((Thomas, D. M.)), ((Kuhn, D. M.)) | journal=Journal of Neurochemistry | title=Mephedrone, an abused psychoactive component of “bath salts” and methamphetamine congener, does not cause neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum | volume=120 | issue=6 | pages=1097–1107 | date= March 2012 | issn=1471-4159 | doi=10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07632.x}}</ref>  


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===
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.
As with other [[stimulant]]s, the chronic use of mephedrone can be considered highly addictive with an extreme 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 mephedrone [[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). Mephedrone presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[dopamine]]rgic [[stimulant]]s]], meaning that after the consumption of mephedrone all [[stimulant]]s will have a reduced effect.
 
===Dangerous interactions===
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
{{DangerousInteractions/Stimulants|self=[[Substituted cathinone|cathinone]]s}}
*'''[[MDMA]]''' - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with other stimulants.
*'''[[Cocaine]]''' - This combination may increase strain on the heart.
 
====[[Serotonin syndrome]] risk====
{{DangerousInteractions/SerotoninSyndrome}}


===Interactions===
==Legal status==
Mephedrone should not be used in combination with other [[stimulants]] as it could potentially increase ones heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
In December 2010, the European Council decided that mephedrone shall be subjected by the Member States to control measures and criminal penalties.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2003:321:0064:0065:EN:PDF|title=Council Decision on submitting 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) to control measures|date=December 2, 2010|publication-date=December 8, 2010|work=Official Journal of the European Union|pages=44-45|id=L 322|publisher=Office for Official Publications of the European Communites|oclc=52224955}}</ref>


==Legal issues==
*'''Australia''': Mephedrone has been added to the Australian federal drug watch list and is now considered illegal if intended for human consumption. Mephedrone is considered a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia under the Poisons Standard <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2021L00650|title=Poisons Standard June 2021|publication-date=May 26, 2021|language=en}}</ref>. A Schedule 9 substance is a substance which may be abused or misused and the manufacture, possession, sale or use of is prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.
*'''European Union (EU):''' In October 2010, a European Union commission called for an EU-wide ban of mephedrone.<ref>http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-10-1355_en.htm?locale=en</ref>
*'''Austria''': Mephedrone is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the SMG (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich) as of August 21, 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diepresse.com/589205/mode-droge-mephedron-in-osterreich-verboten|title=Mode-Droge Mephedron in Österreich verboten|publisher=Die Presse|date=August 22, 2010|access-date=December 27, 2019|language=de}}</ref>
*'''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.{{citation needed}}
*'''Belgium:''' Mephedrone was banned on Apr 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.<ref>http://www.anvisa.gov.br/hotsite/talidomida/legis/RDC_36_2011.pdf</ref>
*'''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.<ref>http://www.anvisa.gov.br/hotsite/talidomida/legis/RDC_36_2011.pdf</ref>
*'''China''': Mephedrone is a Category I psychotropic substance as of September 1, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eng.sfda.gov.cn/cmsweb/webportal/W43879541/A64031541.html |title=Mephedrone regulated as psychotropic substances |publisher=State Food and Drug Administration|access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815082133/http://eng.sfda.gov.cn/cmsweb/webportal/W43879541/A64031541.html |archive-date=15 August 2010}}</ref> It is illegal to sell, buy, import, export, and manufacture it.
*'''China:''' Mephedrone was made a Category I psychotropic substance, illegal to sell, buy, import, export, and manufacture mephedrone as of September 2010.
*'''Croatia''': Mephedrone is a controlled substance as of January 12, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2010_01_2_12.html|title=Dopuna popisa opojnih droga, psihotropnih tvari i biljaka iz kojih se može dobiti opojna droga te tvari koje se mogu uporabiti za izradu opojnih droga|publisher=Croatian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare|language=hr|access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref>
*'''Denmark:''' Denmark's Minister for Health and Prevention Jakob Axel Nielsen banned "mephedrone", "flephedrone" and ethylcathinone on Dec 18, 2008. As of July 1, 2012, Denmark also created a type of Analogue law that would include cathinones like mephedrone<ref>https://www.retsinformation.dk/forms/R0710.aspx?id=140430</ref>
*'''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<ref>https://www.retsinformation.dk/forms/R0710.aspx?id=140430</ref>
*'''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.
*'''Estonia''': Mephedrone is a controlled substance as of November 2009.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs |url=http://www.estlex.ee/tasuta/?id=8&aktid=118262&fd=1&asutus=&grupp=3&leht=2 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5suaZrvK9?url=http://www.estlex.ee/tasuta/?id=8&aktid=118262&fd=1&asutus=&grupp=3&leht=2|archive-date=September 21, 2010|title=Sotsiaalministri 27.11.2009 määrus number 87 |access-date=December 27, 2019|language=et}}</ref>
*'''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".<ref>http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/la-mephedrone-classee-comme-stupefiant.html</ref>
*'''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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.city.fi/artikkeli/Rapujuhlat+saaristossa+/2783/ |author=Juha Matias Lehtonen|title=Rapujuhlat saaristossa|language=fi|publisher=City Magazine|date= September 5, 2008|access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref>
*'''Germany (Deutschland):''' mephedrone has been added to Anlage I starting Jan 22, 2010 and will then be controlled in Germany.<ref>http://www.buzer.de/gesetz/9164/index.htm</ref>
*'''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".<ref>http://www.sante-sports.gouv.fr/la-mephedrone-classee-comme-stupefiant.html</ref>
*'''Israel:''' In December 2007, mephedrone was added to Israel's list of controlled substances, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess. <ref>http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=181254</ref>
*'''Germany''': Mephedrone is controlled under Anlage I BtMG (''Narcotics Act, Schedule I'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html|title=Anlage I BtMG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=de}}</ref> as of January 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav?startbk=Bundesanzeiger_BGBl&jumpTo=bgbl109s3944.pdf|title=Vierundzwanzigste Verordnung zur Änderung betäubungsmittelrechtlicher Vorschriften|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|access-date=December 27, 2019|language=de}}</ref> It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure or dispense it without a license.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/__29.html|title=§ 29 BtMG|publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=de}}</ref>
*'''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 and sales and distribution of it are now prohibited.
*'''Guernsey''': Mephedrone is a Class B controlled substance as of April 16, 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/guernsey/8618651.stm |title=Guernsey makes Mephedrone class B drug|publisher=BBC News |date=April 13, 2010|access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref>
*'''Norway:''' The "Derivatbestemmelsen" is an Analog Act-type law in Norway that controls mephedrone, [[Bk-MBDB]], [[Bromo-Dragonfly]], [[1,4butanediol]], [[GBL]], and [[MBDB]].<ref>legemiddelverket.no</ref>
*'''Hungary''': Mephedrone is a List 1 controlled substance as of January 1, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kozlonyok.hu/nkonline/MKPDF/hiteles/MK10190.pdf|title=MAGYAR  KÖZLÖNY: A MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG HIVATALOS LAPJA|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=hu}}</ref>
*'''Poland:''' On Aug 25, 2010, mephedrone was added to the list of controlled "psychotropic drugs" in the I-P group.<ref>http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20101430962</ref>
*'''Isle of Man''': It is illegal to import or sell mephedrone since February 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Now-illegal-to-import-drug.6103144.jp|title=Now illegal to import drug 'plant food' to Isle of Man|publisher=Isle of Man Today|date=February 25, 2010|access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228070359/http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Now-illegal-to-import-drug.6103144.jp |archive-date=February 28, 2010}}</ref>
*'''Romania:''' mephedrone was added to Romania's list of controlled substances in February 2010.<ref>http://salviadivinorum.ro/noile-substante-intezise/</ref>
*'''Ireland''': Mephedrone is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 as of May 11, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dohc.ie/press/releases/2010/20100511.html |title=Minister for Health and Children announces immediate criminal ban on list of head shop products |publisher=Irish Department of Health and Children|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221174712/http://www.dohc.ie/press/releases/2010/20100511.html |archive-date=February 21, 2011}}</ref>
*'''Russia:''' Mephedrone is classified as List 1 in Russian Federation as if August 2010. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute.<ref>http://gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2010/08/04/n_1529350.shtml</ref>
*'''Israel''': In December 2007, mephedrone was added to Israel's list of controlled substances, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.<ref>http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=181254</ref>
*'''Slovak Republic:''' Starting March 1, 2011 mephedrone is controlled in the Slovak Republic. <ref>http://www.nrsr.sk/Dynamic/Download.aspx?DocID=350863</ref>
*'''Italy''': Mephedrone is a Tabella I controlled substance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pagineAree_3729_listaFile_itemName_0_file.pdf|title=TABELLA I|publisher= Ministero della Salute|access-date=December 27, 2019|language=it}}</ref>
*'''Sweden:''' Classified as a "health hazard" or "hazardous substance" ("hälsofarlig vara") pending further legislation, 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.
*'''Jersey''': Mephedrone is a Class C controlled substance since December 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/health/newsid_10050000/newsid_10059100/10059133.stm|title= Call to ban legal high mephedrone test change|author=Adina Campbell|date=March 4, 2010|publisher=BBC Newsbeat|access-date=December 26, 2019}}</ref>
*'''United Kingdom:''' mephedrone is a class B drug, illegal to possess without the proper license or prescription, as of Apr 16, 2010.
*'''Lithuania''': Mephedrone is a controlled substance as of June 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.375830|title=DĖL LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKOS SVEIKATOS APSAUGOS MINISTRO 2000 M. SAUSIO 6 D. ĮSAKYMO Nr. 5 „DĖL NARKOTINIŲ IR PSICHOTROPINIŲ MEDŽIAGŲ SĄRAŠŲ PATVIRTINIMO“ PAKEITIMO|publisher=Lietuvos Respublikos Seimo kanceliarija, biudžetinė įstaiga|access-date=December 27, 2019|language=lt}}</ref>
*'''USA:''' mephedrone is currently in Schedule I in the United States. This means it is illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute (sell, trade or give) without a DEA license.
*'''Mexico''': Mephedrone is a Schedule I controlled substance as of January 7, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Announcement/Details/816ab930-efcf-4e92-a65c-404b022f25eb|title=January 2014 - Mexico: Mephedrone, TFMPP and synthetic cannabinoids placed under control|publisher= United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime|access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref>
*'''The 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.{{citation needed}}
*'''Norway''': The "Derivatbestemmelsen" is an Analog Act-type law in Norway that controls mephedrone, [[Bk-MBDB]], [[Bromo-DragonFLY]], [[1,4-Butanediol]], [[GBL]], and [[MBDB]].<ref>legemiddelverket.no</ref>
*'''Poland''': On August 25, 2010, mephedrone was added to the list of controlled "psychotropic drugs" in the I-P group.<ref>http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20101430962</ref>
*'''Romania''': Mephedrone was added to Romania's list of controlled substances in February 2010.<ref>http://salviadivinorum.ro/noile-substante-intezise/</ref>
*'''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.<ref>http://gazeta.ru/news/lenta/2010/08/04/n_1529350.shtml</ref>
*'''Slovak Republic''': Starting March 1, 2011 mephedrone is controlled in the Slovak Republic.<ref>http://www.nrsr.sk/Dynamic/Download.aspx?DocID=350863</ref>
*'''Singapore''': Mephedrone is a banned substance as of November 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC101113-0000075/Three-synthetic-drugs-to-be-banned |title=Three synthetic drugs to be banned |publisher=TODAY|author=Andre Yeo|date=November 13, 2010 |access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wOfQKDTu?url=http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC101113-0000075/Three-synthetic-drugs-to-be-banned |archive-date=February 10, 2011}}</ref>
*'''Spain''': Mephedrone is a Schedule I controlled substance as of February 10, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2011-2490|title=Documento BOE-A-2011-2490|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|access-date=December 27, 2019|language=es}}</ref>
*'''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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://62.95.69.3/SFSDOC/08/080908.PDF |title=Svensk författningssamling Förordning om ändring i förordningen (1999:58) om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor|language=sv|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wOfbf5sB?url=http://62.95.69.3/SFSDOC/08/080908.PDF |archive-date=February 10, 2011|publisher=Thomson Förlag}}</ref>
*'''Switzerland''': Mephedrone is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis D.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20101220/index.html|title=Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien|publisher=Bundeskanzlei [Federal Chancellery of Switzerland]|access-date=January 1, 2020|language=de}}</ref>
*'''Turkey:''' Mephedrone is a classed as drug and is illegal to possess, produce, supply, or import.<ref>17 şubat 2012, BAKANLAR KURULU KARARI Karar Sayısı : 2012/2861 | https://resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2012/03/20120322-1-6-1.pdf</ref>
*'''United Kingdom''': Mephedrone is a Class B drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the cathinone catch-all clause.<ref>{{Citation | title=The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2010 | url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1207/made}}</ref>
*'''United States''': 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.<ref> https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/21usc/812.htm</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Responsible use]]
*[[Stimulants]]
*[[Substituted cathinone|Cathinones]]
*[[Amphetamine]]
*[[MDMA]]
*[[Cocaine]]
==External links==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephedrone Mephedrone (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.erowid.org/chemicals/4_methylmethcathinone/ Mephedrone (Erowid Vault)]
*[https://isomerdesign.com/PiHKAL/explore.php?id=2018 Mephedrone (Isomer Design)]
*[https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB13108 Mephedrone (DrugBank)]
*[https://drugs-forum.com/wiki/Mephedrone Mephedrone (Drugs-Forum)]


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references />
 
[[Category:Psychoactive substance]]
[[Category:Stimulant]]
[[Category:Entactogen]]
[[Category:Cathinone]]
[[Category:Research chemical]]
 
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