Quick info
Mephedrone, also known as 4-MMC, is a synthetically produced cathinone derivative, a subgroup of amphetamines. It belongs to the group of stimulants.
Mephedrone is closely related to methcathinone (CAT) and was long regarded as the best-known "legal high". In many stores, 4-MMC (but also mixtures of other substances) was legally marketed as "bath salts" or "bath additives". Following the almost worldwide ban on mephedrone, other cathinones (e.g. 3-MMC) with similar effects came onto the market.
Mephedrone causes euphoria and pleasant stimulation, an increased urge to talk, increased performance and altered sensory perceptions. It also stimulates the libido. The need for food and sleep is suppressed. The effect is also described as a mixture of MDMA, cocaine and amphetamine. In addition, especially when sniffing, the craving is very pronounced and the dependency potential is significantly higher than with other empathogens such as MDMA or methylone. Compared to the similar 3-MMC, 4-MMC has a more empathogenic effect (a "feeling of connectedness" as with MDMA, for example), but is less stimulating and uplifting.
Onset of action:
Snorted and swallowed: after 15-30 minutes.
Duration of action:
Snorted 3-6 hours, swallowed 4-8 hours.
Snuffed:
Light: 15-45 mg
Medium: 45-80 mg
Strong: 80-125 mg
Swallowed:
Light: 50-150 mg
Medium: 150-200 mg
Strong: 200-300 mg
Little is known about intravenous, rectal, and inhalation use. These forms of consumption should be avoided; if they are, dose as low as possible.
Appearances
Crystalline powder, white to yellowish and brownish
Various adverse effects may occur when consuming mephedrone: Dry mouth, mydriasis (dilated pupils), jaw grinding, increased heartbeat, increase in body temperature, anxiety or paranoia. There is a risk of dehydration due to decreased thirst and lack of fluid intake. High doses of mephedrone lead to psychotic reactions and can increase schizophrenia. There is a risk of dependence with symptoms such as restlessness, tremors, insomnia and hyperactivity.
Mephedrone is a new psychoactive substance. To date, nothing is known about the exact mechanisms of action, toxicity and possible long-term effects. The current state of knowledge is based almost exclusively on reports from users. Due to the strong craving (irresistible and uncontrollable desire to consume), especially when snorting or smoking the substance, there is a risk that it will be taken too quickly and the side effects will predominate.
Refrain from using mephedrone and other serotonin releasing substances such as MAOIs, MDMA, 4-FA, methamphetamine, methylone, 5-HTP and SSRIs/SNRIs. A life-threatening serotonin syndrome can occur!
Mixed use with 25x-NBOMe and 25x-NBOH can lead to excessive stimulation with panic attacks, seizures, mind spinning, increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, and in severe cases can lead to heart failure.
Do not take tramadol if you use stimulants. Tramadol and stimulants can both cause strokes, which cumulates the risk.
Other potentially harmful combinations cannot be ruled out, as there is no scientifically sound information on interactions with cathinones.
Since 2023, cathinones such as 4-MMC have become more popular again. Drug checking services in Switzerland are increasingly accepting 4-MMC samples. The analysis results show that up to 75% of these samples contained synthesis by-products or (additional) ingredients other than the expected active ingredient. Often cheap and/or legal, unexplored New psychoactive substances such as 3-CMC, 4-CMC or dimethylpentylone sold as 3-MMC.
LSD analogues are substances that are chemically very similar to LSD and can have comparable effects. Some of them have been known for a long time (e.g. ALD52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, PRO-LAD etc.) and have been studied pharmacologically as well as psychopharmacologically, at least in part. Others are newer "creations" (e.g. the derivatives 1P-LSD,1B-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSDetc.), for which only few or no data are available. Certain LSD analogues can (still) be legally produced, traded and consumed in some countries, which is the main reason for their distribution.
Most LSD analogues are naturally different from LSD in their effect and/or potency (e.g. ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, LSZ etc.). In contrast, the so-called 1-acylated LSD compounds (e.g. 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1B-LSD, ALD-52, etc.) are presumed, on the basis of pharmacological studies, to convert into LSD in the body (they function as so-called prodrugs) and thus have a comparable psychoactive effect to LSD.
In the case of prodrugs of LSD and LSD analogues, it has not been conclusively clarified whether, in addition to their psychoactive effect, they can produce other pharmacological effects. How potent these prodrugs are compared to the resulting substance (e.g., 1P-LSD to LSD), and to what extent a delay in onset of action occurs in each case, may be substance-dependent and cannot be generalized. Therefore, it is important to approach the dose/effect carefully to avoid overdoses.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.