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Mephedrone was named the fourth most popular street drug in the UK in 2009 (after marijuana, cacaine and ecstasy). At a similar time, it also appeared in Poland as an afterburner, taken mainly by young people, frequenters of parties and discos – in 2010, however, it was banned. Mephedrone has a psychoactive effect and can cause serious side effects, especially when taken frequently, in large amounts and combined with alcohol and other stimulants.
What is mephedrone?
Mephedrone, or 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), or colloquially “mefa”, is a chemical compound used as a stimulant, i.e. a psychoactive substance with a stimulating effect. It belongs to the group of empathogens (entactnogens) that cause characteristic emotional and social effects similar to those caused by ecstasy (MDMA). It belongs to a class of drugs such as amphetamines and the lesser-known cathinone. It was introduced to the market by the Israeli company Neorganics, which produces legal highs. It quickly spread as a “recreational” drug in Europe, but more countries began introducing laws declaring it illegal.
Mephedrone – chemical composition and route of admission
Mephedrone is an organic chemical compound (cathinone derivative), more specifically 2- (methylamino) -1- (4-methylphenyl) propan-1-one with the formula C11H1SNO. Cathinone is an alkaloid that occurs naturally in the African plant called chuvalica (Catha Edulis), famous for its stimulating properties. Czuwaliczka is especially popular in Yemen.
Mephedrone can be in the form of hydrochloride or sulfate, crystalline powder, capsules and pills. It can be administered in different ways: nasal, oral, injection, and rectal.
Modified mephedrone is also available on the market of designer drugs, the popularity of which has increased after the original was made illegal.
If you experience disturbing symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Schedule an online teleconsultation with your GP to get answers to your questions and get the right treatment.
How does mephedrone work?
Mephedrone is a drug that people turn to to experience certain sensations. How does mephedrone work? The effects of its use include: increased alertness, nervousness, euphoria, excitement, talkability, openness, agitation, stronger sex drive, self-confidence. Its users compare the effects of mephedrone to something in between cocaine and ecstasy. It works intensively, but quite shortly (for about an hour) – this makes the person who took it feel the need to reach for the next dose.
Mephedrone – side effects
Like other strong stimulants, this compound also contributes to the occurrence of side effects. The effects of mephedrone include increased sweating (even the term “mephedrone sweat” works – it has a specific, pungent smell), headaches, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, nausea, blue and cold fingers (a symptom caused by peripheral vasospasm), muscle stiffness, memory and concentration. People taking mephedrone may experience severe panic attacks, hallucinations, and paranoia. The risk of these symptoms increases more as a result of sleep disorders (mephedrone as a stimulant causes insomnia), especially after “marathons” events that include taking the drug.
Mephedrone overdose causes psychiatric complications, including depressive syndromes, delusional psychosis, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, anxiety, insomnia, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure). The products of the metabolism of mephedrone may be neurotoxic and cardiotoxic. There are assumptions that mephedrone and alcohol or other substances with a stimulating effect could enter into life-threatening interactions. Several cases of mephedrone poisoning have already been recorded. According to specialists, it is a compound with a strong potential for psychological addiction, but it is still poorly understood and there is a lack of research on this subject.