Mephedrone

Description

Mephedrone is a stimulant and entactogen of the cathinone drug class, known to speed up reactions and functions in the body in many different ways. It was first made in 1929, but was not well-known until it was re-discovered in 2003.

Its prevalence has been suggested to be associated with the decrease in purity and availability of other recreational drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy) and cocaine in the late noughties. Its effects have been noted as similar to both of these drugs, combining induced feelings of happiness with an ability to stay awake and dance or be sociable.

Pharmacology

Mephedrone acts as a potent monoamine releasing agent alongside inhibiting their reuptake, in a similar way to MDMA and amphetamines. This means that mephedrone causes dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline levels to increase rapidly at the synapse (gap) between nerve cells. Mephedrone’s preference for serotonin over dopamine is likely responsible for its MDMA-like effects. However, mephedrone has a weaker affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT) than MDMA, explaining why its entactogenic effects are less prominent. This more balanced profile of monoamines gives mephedrone its characteristic position as a middle ground between MDMA and cocaine.

Mephedrone is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak concentrations in the blood 30–60 min after oral or intranasal administration. It has a relatively short duration of effects, with a half life of around 2 hours. Mephedrone is broken down primarily by the CYP2D6 enzyme in the liver. As such, taking mephedrone with CYP2D6 inhibitors such as ritonavir is likely to pose significant health risks.

Due to its serotonergic activity, mephedrone taken in combination with MAOIs such as phenelzine carries an increased risk of overdose and serotonin syndrome. It is likely that, like MDMA, SSRIs and SNRIs may blunt the subjective effects of mephedrone.

Harm Reduction

• Start low, go slow: Take a small amount and wait until you can feel the effects before taking more/anything else
• Try not to use alone: If something goes wrong, someone is there to get help
• Be careful mixing: Mixing mephedrone with other drugs can increase health risks and lead to overdose – avoid if you can, otherwise take less of each, as they can increase the effects and risks
• Test your stuff: Some mephedrone samples in the UK have been found to contain different cathinones with varying strengths and durations, and you can’t see this by eye. Find out how to send a sample to WEDINOS for testing here: https://www.wedinos.wales or pick up some test strips at our Harm Reduction Hub.
• Many drugs contain leftover precursors commonly but with mephedrone leftover reactants commonly include unreacted methylamine and hydrochloric acid. Methylamine is a major cause of the “Cat Urine” smell. Methylamine and HCl attract water, preventing excess HCl acid from evaporating and increasing pain and damage to the nose.
• Stay hydrated: it’s recommended to sip one pint of non-alcoholic liquid (not more) per hour.
• Stay cool: Dancing can make you forget how hot and sweaty you are. Set a timer to take a break every hour and get some fresh air: this is important to reduce the risks of dehydration and overheating.
• Landing safely: Stay hydrated and fed, and take it easy for the next few days – remember that it will pass. Taking drugs like benzodiazepines as come-down aids may have some benefits, but can lead to dependence and legal issues.
• It’s possible to become psychologically dependent on the drug (feeling like you need it all the time). If you think this is happening, see your doctor as soon as possible, but don’t suddenly stop taking it.
• You should avoid taking mephedrone if you have:
  • high blood pressure,
  • heart disease,
  • epilepsy (or family history of epilepsy),
  • diabetes or liver problems.
  • You should also avoid using it if you have had psychiatric problems like depression or anxiety.

History

Mephedrone was first synthesised in 1929 by chemist Saem de Burnaga Sanchez. However, its recreational use was not reported until c.2003, and subsequently around 2007 when it started being sold online. By 2010 in the UK, where its use was the most prevalent of the European countries, mephedrone became controlled as a Class B drug and at the same time became cemented as one of the most popular club/dance scene drugs. In the years following this legal change, mephedrone exited the mainstream and became a staple in the queer London rave and chemsex scenes.

However, its time out of the spotlight did not last long. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, use of mephedrone and the MMC’s once again rose in prevalence. This included both intentional and incidental use: in 2023, The Loop found over a fifth of MDMA samples tested contained mephedrone and other substituted cathinones (e.g. 2/3-MMC). These substituted cathinones sometimes included chloromethcathinones (2/3/4-CMC), which are higher in potency as stimulants, but weaker as entactogens.

Law

• Class B
• Schedule 1

Possible offences

• Possession
  • Maximum sentence – 5 years/fine/both
• Possession With Intent To Supply
  • Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
• Supply (including being concerned in supply, conspiracy to supply, aggravated supply and offer to supply)
  • Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both
• Production
  • Maximum sentence – 14 years/fine/both

In practice maximum sentences are rarely used, for more detailed and accurate information go to our sentencing page.