Cathinones

Cathinone is naturally occurring chemical compound; it is a component of the shrub Catha edulis - Khat. Cathinone can also be manufactured synthetically, sometimes referred to as 'substituted cathinones'. Synthetic cathinone is the key ingredient of recreational drugs such as Mephedrone.

Desired Effects:

The effects depend on the dose and the substitute cathinone used. They are all stimulant drugs, but some may have a more ecstasy like effect.

• Energy
• Confidence
• Well-being, euphoria
• Arousal.

Side Effects:

The side effects depend on the dose and the substitute cathinone used. But broadly, side effects may be like that of MDMA, cocaine or other potent stimulants, such as racing heartbeat, sweating, lowered appetite, clenched jaws, dilated pupils, paranoia, anxiety, mood swings.

• Cathinones are often mis-sold as MDMA/ecstasy. They can take longer to start working which can make people think they are a low dose or a dud and to re-dose. However, some may be longer acting which has led to serious psychological problems through the inability to sleep for days on end.
• If you have reagent test, try to follow the instructions and identify what is in your pills or potions. However, these tests are not full proof, prone to human error and cannot tell you anything about the dosage. If you have the time to plan, send a pill or powder to WEDINOS.
• Start any tablet or powder with a small amount and wait at least an hour to see what the effects are before taking more.
• Cathinones are stimulant drugs. Regardless of whether you knowingly brought them or were mis-sold them take all the usual precautions you would when using stimulants.
• Take a break from dancing to cool down and sip water regularly.
• Mixing cathinones with alcohol will increase the risk of dehydration, while mixing stimulants increases all the risks.
• If you suffer from any kind of heart condition you should avoid stimulant drugs.
• Use occasionally and get plenty of rest after use.
• If someone is suffering bad effects like vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness - put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance immediately.

Long term risks:

The long-term risk depends on the substitute cathinone used; however, they are broadly similar to the risks involved in other potent stimulants, such as, depression, irritability, dependence, paranoia, and triggering psychotic episodes. Although little is known about the long term risk of many of the cathinones.

Short term risks:

The short-term risk depends on the dose and the particular substitute cathinone used; but are broadly similar to the risks involved in other potent stimulants, such as paranoia, heart attack, heat stroke etc. However, cathinones are often mis-sold as MDMA or in ecstasy pills. Some cathinones are very similar the effects of MDMA but may take longer to have an effect (leading to re-dosing), and/or may be active (and toxic) in lower doses or are longer acting. This can mean the inability to sleep, sometimes for days causing severe psychological problems. There were 21 deaths associated with cathinones in England and Wales in 2024.

Central nervous system stimulant.

Synthetic cathinones, also known as 'substituted cathinones', are a large group of stimulant/MDMA like drugs. These include Mephedrone or M-Cat (4-MMC). This was the drug that become popular as a ‘legal High’ substitute for ecstasy during the 00’s.

Although the use of mephedrone/M-CAT has dropped considerably from its peak in the early 00’s, it is still used in the UK, sometimes as a recreational stimulant, often they are mis-sold as MDMA pills in a festival and nightclub setting. 4-CMC is synthetic cathinone that is similar to M-CAT and is now more commonly found in the festival, nightclub context and/or mis-sold as MDMA pills.

M-Cat/Mephedrone is also used in the Chemsex scene, although more recently the use of the synthetic cathinone 3-CMC has become more popular on this scene along with the use of crystal methamphetamine and GBL/GBH.

Pyrrolidino-cathinones are a subset of synthetic cathinones and include: a-PVP (Flakka), MDPV and MDPHP (Monkey Dust)

The harms associated with using synthetic cathinones are influenced by the contexts of use. For instance, synthetic cathinones such as M-Cat are used as a recreational stimulant in the festival and club scene on an occasional basis as it is similar to MDMA; whereas the use of ‘pyrrolidino cathinones such as ‘Monkey Dust’ is almost exclusive used in the Staffordshire area among socially excluded and vulnerable adults often living in hostels, or homeless, who often take drugs to cope with mental health issues and past trauma and to blot out the circumstances of their current lives. For more information about pyrrolidino cathinones ‘Monkey Dust’ link here.

Cathinones are Class B, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Various, depending on the form of the drug. Synthetic cathinones are usually taken as a pill, snorted or ‘swallowed bombed’ but may be smoked or injected.

Various, depending on the form of the drug.

Bupropion is licensed as a prescription-only aid for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban.

Cathinone (Benzoylethanamine) is naturally occurring chemical found in the Khat plant (Catha edulis). Substitute cathinones are synthetic drugs that are produced in labs in China and some other countries. These may be countries where the drug is not covered by drug laws or in illicit labs.

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.