Mephedrone

• "Drone"

Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant with empathogenic effects. Mephedrone is derived from methcathinone, which may be derived fromcathinone, one of the active ingredients in the khat plant. Alternatively, methcathinone has been synthesised from pseudoephedrine, commonly used as a decongestant in over-the-counter preparations. The drug is usually insufflated (‘snorting’), and/or taken orally (e.g. wrapped in cigarette paper (‘bombing’)) or in solution, but may also be taken intravenously. Tolerance to mephedrone accumulates quickly – resulting in a desire to take more drug than previous administrations. - Limit dose. Start with a small amount and leave at least 1 hour before re-dosing - Control quantities you take in one session. Set yourself a limit and stick to it (users advise taking no more than ½ gram in 24 hours) - Avoid mixing with other drugs/alcohol - Snorting mephedrone can be very damaging to the inside of the nose. - Swallowing / Bombing : Stimulant drugs are caustic and can corrode soft tissues. This may result in damage to the lining of the throat, oesophagus and stomach. Ingest within a capsule/cigarette paper - Don’t mix mephedrone with anti depressant medication, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), they include: moclobemide, phenelzine, isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine and come in various different brand names - If you have any history of heart, circulatory or blood pressure problems, it is advised you avoid mephedrone. - Try to avoid injecting, - The use of stimulant drugs has become very popular; using more than one stimulant drug at a time drug can put your heart under significant stress. - Make sure you have more days where you don’t use, than days where you use. - Use in a safe environment with trusted company - Tell someone you are with what you are taking

Symptoms often resemble that of amphetamine compounds; however the effects may be more prolonged. These may include: euphoria, increased alertness, intensified emotions and boosted self-esteem. Further effects include: a racing heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, agitation, excessive sweating (sometimes with a ‘chemical’ smell), headache, nausea, tremor/shaking and elevated blood pressure. Anxiety, dizziness, sleep disturbances, teeth grinding, muscle twitching, poor concentration, depression and short term memory loss are also common following the use of stimulants, which frequently affect mental health. Convulsions, hallucinations, andskin rashes have also been reported in some users. Nasal irritation and nose bleeds may occur after snorting/keying due to the caustic nature of the drug. Similarly, swallowing/bombing the drug may result in damage to the lining of the throat and stomach, causing pain in the gastrointestinal tract. In severe cases, stroke, heart attacks, kidney failure and liver damage may occur after the use of amphetamines and/orcathinones.

After effects such as Insomnia may last for several hours or days.