Methadone - 10mg
11/28/2014 17:09
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What is mephedrone?
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) was originally marketed as a plant fertiliser and 'research chemical'.
It is a synthetic cathinone, similar to one of the active ingredients of the drug khat. It is structurally similar to other phenylethylamines, such as ephedrine and amphetamine.
Other names
Meph, meow, miaow-miaow, m-cat, plant food, drone, bubbles, kitty cat.
What it looks like
Mephedrone usually comes as a white powder, crystals or capsules. It is also available in pill form. Anecdotal reports indicate that it is most commonly sold as a powder with a yellowish tinge.
How is it used?
Mephedrone powder is usually sniffed/snorted or swallowed.
Swallowing is the most common way of taking the drug. It is usually mixed with liquid to drink, or wrapped in a cigarette paper (known as 'bombing').
There have also been some reports of people injecting the drug.
Effects of mephedrone
The effects of any drug, including mephedrone, vary from person to person. How mephedrone affects a person depends on many things including their size, weight and health, also whether the person is used to taking it and whether other drugs are taken around the same time. The effects of any drug also depend on the amount taken.
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk—even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It is important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
Immediate effects
People who have used mephedrone describe the effects as being similar to ecstasy, and estimate that the effects last between 2 and 4 hours. Some also say that the drug can be compulsive ('more-ish') to use, and can create a state of psychological dependence. Many report that the negative effects become far more severe with heavy use.
The following effects have been reported by people who have used mephedrone:
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Mephedrone has been implicated in some deaths in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Coming down
The come down effects of mephedrone have been described as similar to ecstasy and amphetamines. Some of the effects reported include:
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Long-term effects
It has been reported that people who use mephedrone in a paticular session find it very hard to stop. Compulsive use can lead to side-effects including insomnia, involuntary muscle clenching and hallucinations.
Other effects of mephedrone use
Social problems
All areas of life can be affected by drug use.
- Disagreements and frustration over drug use can cause family arguments and affect personal relationships.
- Legal and health problems can also add to the strain on personal, financial and work relationships.
Taking mephedrone with other drugs
The effects of using mephedrone with other drugs is unknown due to a lack of research in this area.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Read about the effects of taking drugs during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Driving
It is dangerous to drive after using mephedrone. The effects of mephedrone, such as blurred vision and distorted perception of time, can affect driving ability. The symptoms of coming down can also affect the ability to drive safely.
Read more about the effects of drugs on driving.
Mephedrone use in the workplace
Under occupational health and safety legislation, all employees have a responsibility to make sure they look after their own and their co-workers' safety. The effects of mephedrone such as drowsiness, dizziness and anxiety can affect the ability to work safely and effectively. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect the ability to work safely and effectively.
Preventing and reducing harms
The use of mephedrone carries a risk of harm. This risk is increased when:
- large amounts are taken
- it is taken with other drugs, including alcohol, and prescribed and over-the-counter medications
- it is snorted (due to the risk of damage to the lining of the nose)
- it is injected (due to the risks of vein damage and of contracting bloodborne viruses)
- the person who takes the drug is alone (as they may need help in a medical emergency)
- the person who takes the drug drives or operates machinery while under its influence.
Tolerance and dependence
Several studies have reported that mephedrone induces strong feelings of cravings in most people that use the drug. A recent study of university students in the United Kingdom found that 17% of people who had recently used mephedrone reported symptoms associated with dependence.
Getting help
Treatment
In Australia, there are many different types of treatments for drug problems. Some aim to help a person to stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use.
Find out more about treatment.
What to do if you are concerned about someone's mephedrone use
If you are concerned about someone's drug use, there is help available. Contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory.
What to do in a crisis
Always call triple zero (000) if a drug overdose is known or suspected—and remember that paramedics are not obliged to involve the police.
If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using mephedrone, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. A quick response can save their life.