Mephedrone

MC
Meth
Drone
Bubble
Bolt
MCAT
M-Cat
Meow Meow
Meow
4-MMC

Scientific Names: (RS)-2-methylamino-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one Also known as: 4 methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC

Generic Names: Enwau Generig: Mephedrone. Not to be confused with 'Methedrone' (4-methoxymethcathinone) or 'Methylone' (bk-MDMA), or Methadone' (a synthetic opioid).

An example of what Mephedrone looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Powder, tablets and capsules. It is most commonly sold in bags or wraps as a white / off-white / yellowish powder. It may have a slightly moist consistency making the drug harder to divide in to lines. It is also sold over the internet and some specialist shops as tablets or capsules containing the powder.

Effects of Mephedrone

Desired Effects:

Users often compare the effects similar to ecstasy, cocaine or amphetamines (speed). Excitement, euphoria, alertness, and talkative. One of the main features of mephedrone is the strong compulsion to re-dose.

Side Effects:

Feeling sick, paranoid and anxious. Palpitations, dizzines, vertigo, pain & swelling in the nose & throat. Rashes, uncomfortable changes in body temperature, abnormal body odour, teeth grinding, muscle twitching. Sleep deprivation, poor concentration, short term memory loss, blood circulation problems. Tolerance builds up quickly so the desire to take more & more increases. After effects such as insomnia may last for several hours or days.

Risks

Long term risks:

Almost nothing is known about the long term effects of the drug due to the short history of its use. However, there has been reports of vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) with repeated dosing, including moderate to severe symptoms of tingling and numbness in the arms, hands, legs & feet with a possible risk of damage to the heart. Headaches, light-headedness and unusual skin discoloration. Damage to the inside of the nose if snorted; and risks to mental health such as depression, suicidal thoughts and psychosis. There have been a number of deaths in the UK attributed to mephedrone. Mixing drugs like mephedrone & ketamine or mephedrone with amphetamine increases the risks.

Short term risks:

How does Mephedrone work?

Synthetic stimulant - it belongs to the chemical class of cathinones. The effects last for around 2 to 3 hours when taken orally.

Legal status of Mephedrone

Mephedrone is a Class B drug under The Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971; illegal to possess (maximum penalty five years in jail) or supply (maximum penalty 14 years in jail).

How is Mephedrone taken?

The powder may be snorted or wrapped in a cigarette paper and swallowed (bombed). The capsules or tablets can be swallowed.

Paraphernalia

If the drug is snorted - a razor blade will be used to chop it in to lines on a hard level surface such as a mirror or a sheet of glass or a tile.

Medical uses of Mephedrone

None.

Where Does it Come From?

Mephedrone comes from a compound of cathinone, which is also a Class B drug. It is sold over the internet and some specialist shops in powder form; or as tablets or capsules containing the powder. It is often marketed as plant food.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. The increase in stimulant use has led to some agencies offering specialist counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.