Synthetic cathinone derivatives

Published on September 5, 2024 at 8:00 / Updated on September 18, 2024 at 8:00

Synonyms	The most common synonyms are: Mephedrone (the most popular) and MDPV Other street names include: 4-MMC, Bubble, Synthetic cocaine, Drone, MCATv, MDPV/mephedrone: Bath salts, Meow meow, Meph, Miaow, MM-cat, Plant food.MDPV in tablet form is also known as speed or ecstasy.
Classification	Designer drug. Stimulant and disruptor: Agent that causes users to see, hear or feel things that do not exist, while stimulating mental functions and increasing the brain's overall alertness.
Visual description	MDPV/mephedrone: Crystals or crystalline powder that is usually white. MDPV: tablets that come in various shapes, colours and stamped with a variety of logos.
Composition	Bath salts is a type of designer drug that contains one or more chemicals. MDPV and mephedrone are the most common. They should not however, be confused with traditional bath salts.
Mechanism of action	Cathinone is the main psychoactive alkaloid found in khat leaves (Catha edulis), a shrub native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Cathinone resembles amphetamine in chemical structure but is less potent. The potency of designer drugs varies.
Routes of administration	Snorted and ingested (the most common routes) and injected (rare). Routes vary depending on the drug.

Effects sought out by the user

Increased energy
Increased sex drive
Increased sociability and openness

Alertness
Arousal
Euphoria

Common toxic effects

The effects are similar to those of amphetamines, but are less potent:

Agitation
Anxiety
Chest pain
Confusion
Dilated pupils
Erratic behaviour
Excessive sweating
Hallucinations
Headache

Hypertension
Insomnia
Irritation and local burns (nose, mouth, pharynx)
Nausea and vomiting
Reduced appetite
Skin discoloration (cold and bluish extremities)
Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
Teeth grinding

Overdose effects

Convulsions
Death
Extreme violence (aggression)
Panic attacks

Paranoia
Skin discoloration (cold and bluish extremities)
Toxic psychosis

Effects associated with chronic use

The following effects may occur as a result of regular use and may also occur following initial use:

Depression
Erratic, strange or violent behaviour
Insomnia
Mood swings

Muscle damage
Suicide
Uneasiness
kidney damage

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Some users reported having to increase their dose or the frequency of administration to reduce their cravings.

Addiction

Psychological.

Withdrawal

Few or no symptoms (but little is known about the drug). Some users have reported feeling depressed and anxious after quitting.

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Duration of action
Snorted	About 2 to 15 minutes	2 to 4 hours approximately A 2nd phase can occur and last 24 to 48 hours
Ingested	About 45 minutes

Intoxication management

No antidote available.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

If you need help or want to learn more:

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

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