Synthetic Cathinones

Synthetic cathinones are stimulants, meaning that they speed up the messages between the brain and the body and have similar effects to amphetamines. Synthetic cathinones are also part of a group of drugs known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). NPSs are a range of drugs that first appeared on the recreational drug market in the mid 2000s, that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.

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Types of Cathinones Commonly Used:

  • Mephedrone (4-MMC, M-CAT)
  • Methylone
  • Methcathinone
  • Buphedrone
  • Bupropion
  • Pyrovalerone
  • Alpha-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (alpha-PVP)
  • MDPV

How are they used?

Synthetic cathinones are usually snorted, swallowed or injected. When taken orally the desired effects are typically seen within 15–45 minutes. After snorting the desired effect is anecdotally reported to occur within a few minutes. The effects usually last for approximately 2-4 hours.

Mixing Synthetic Cathinones with other drugs

SYNTHETIC CATHINONES + ICE, SPEED OR ECSTASY

Increase the risk of cardiovascular (heart) problems and substance-induced psychosis

SYNTHETIC CATHINONES + ALCOHOL + CANNABIS

Nausea and vomiting.

Side Effects of
Synthetic Cathinones

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

The effects of combining Synthetic Cathinones with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Synthetic Cathinones affects everyone differently, based on:

  • The amount taken
  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The strength of the drug (which can vary from batch to batch)
The individual effects and toxicity of each cathinone are distinct and can vary greatly between each person using them.

Common Effects:

Generally speaking, in small doses the following effects may be experienced and may last for approximately 2-4 hours:
  • Rush of intense pleasure
  • Feeling happy, energetic and wanting to talk more
  • Intense connection with music
  • Restless sleep
  • Muscle tension (face and jaw)
  • Blurred vision
  • Light-headedness, dizziness
  • Distorted sense of time
  • Enlarged (dilated) pupils, blurred vision
  • Dry mouth, thirst
  • Sweating
  • Memory loss
  • Reduced appetite
Sharing needles may also transmit:
  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV/AIDS

Higher doses may result in the following adverse effects:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Nose bleeds from snorting the drug
  • Stomach pains, nausea, vomiting
  • Skin rashes
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure and hot flushes
  • Strong urge to re-dose
  • Chest pain
  • Tremors, convulsions, death

Use of synthetic cathinones is likely to be more dangerous when:

  • Taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, particularly stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) or ecstasy
  • Driving or operating heavy machinery
  • Judgment or motor coordination is required
  • Alone (in case medical assistance is required)
  • The person has a mental health problem
  • The person has an existing heart problem. Injecting synthetic cathinones can cause soft tissue and vascular damage.

Coming Down

In the days after synthetic cathinone use, the following may be experienced:
  • Restless sleep
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Low mood
  • Wounds, sores taking longer to heal
  • Memory loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Problems sleeping
  • Paranoia

Dependence and Tolerance

There is limited data regarding people seeking treatment for synthetic cathinone dependence, however, people who use synthetic cathinones have reported a strong compulsion to re-dose, as well dependence.

Health & Safety

Synthetic cathinone harm reduction advice is partly based on what is known of related drugs like amphetamines and MDMA, as not enough research has been done on individual synthetic cathinones specifically.

Why are Synthetic Cathinones dangerous?