Mephedrone, methedrone, methadrone and methylone

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What is Mephedrone?

Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a stimulant which is closely chemically related to amphetamines. Users report that mephedrone produces a similar experience to drugs like amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine. Mephedrone is a white, off-white or yellowish powder which is usually snorted, but can also be swallowed in bombs (wraps of paper) and may also appear in pill or capsule form.

Mephedrone is probably the most well known of a group of drugs derived from cathinone (the same chemical found in the plant called khat) although two other compounds are also increasingly recognised on the market. These are methedrone and methylone. The effects of methedrone are said to be broadly similar to mephedrone, although methylone is said to give the user an experience more closely related to taking ecstasy.

Other less common compounds from the cathinone family that may be used recreationally include flephedrone (4-FMC), bromomethcathinone ( 4-BMC), ethylone (MDEC), MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and buphedrone and it is possible that other compounds are in circulation.

Prevalence

According to Home Office statisticsmephedrone use fell in 2015/16, driven largely by a fall among young adults aged 16 to 24. The fall for 16 to 59 year olds was from 0.5 to 0.3% (around 73,000 fewer people than the previous year). This was largely accounted for by a fall from 1.9 to 0.9% among 16 to 24 year olds – 60,000 fewer people than in the 2014/15 survey.

Mephedrone use among 16 to 59 year olds has been falling steadily since questions were first asked about it in the 2010/11 survey.

Price

According to the DrugScope street drug trends survey of 2014 mephedrone sold for an average of £19/gram.

Law

All cathinone derivatives, including mephedrone, methylone, methedrone and MDPV are Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is illegal to be in possession of the drugs and to sell them. Penalties for possession are up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supply holds penalties of up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Effects/risks

There is no significant clinical literature on the effects of mephedrone and the other cathinone derivatives currently gaining popularity on the drug scene, so we have to rely on anecdotal reports from users.

Many people who have used mephedrone and similar drugs report that their experiences are similar to taking amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine, producing a sense of euphoria and wellbeing, with users becoming more alert, confident and talkative. People who have used methylone, which is closely chemically related to ecstasy, particularly report a feeling of empathy with those around them.

People who snort these substances can experience extremely sore nasal passages, throats and mouths, with burns or cuts caused by the chemicals sometimes leading to nose bleeds. Some people to choose to swallow the drugs instead to avoid these particular problems.

Like other stimulant drugs, the cathinone derivatives can have an impact on the heart. Some users report heart palpitations, or an irregular or racing heartbeat, which may last for some time after taking the drugs. Users can experience blurred vision, hot flushes and muscle tension, particularly in the jaw and face, and some people report that their fingers and other extremities have taken on a blueish pallor after using mephedrone. As with other stimulants, the substances tend to act as appetite suppressants. Nausea and vomiting has been reported, particularly if mixed with other drugs such as alcohol or cannabis.

A particularly concerning feature of many reports about mephedrone use is that once users have started using the drugs in a particular session, it is very hard to stop, with compulsive use leading to a number of unpleasant side effects including insomnia, involuntary muscle clenching and hallucinations. In some cases, it seems, regular or heavy use may develop into psychological dependency.

Mephedrone has been implicated in a number of deaths although, contrary to many media reports, a causal role in fatalities has not yet been conclusively proven.

The use of MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) is concerning because the potency is higher than other cathinone derivatives. People who are used to using mephedrone or other similar drugs may take too much MDPV in the mistaken belief that it will behave the same. In August 2010, media reports suggested that there were some isolated incidents of hospitalisations following the use of ‘Ivory Wave’, a drug which sellers claim is legal but which in fact may contain MDPV, a Class B drug. As with all drugs of this type, the product label may mask any number of substances underneath.

Updated December 2016