What are mephedrone and naphyrone?

Mephedrone (dimethylmethcathinone, to give it its scientific name) and naphyrone (naphthylpyrovalerone) are two of a group of chemicals called cathinones, which are found in the African plant khat. Other cathinones include methadrone, methylone and related compounds. 

For centuries people in countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen have chewed khat leaves to produce effects such as a mild euphoria, loss of inhibitions and suppression of appetite. The active chemicals are now known to be stimulants closely related to amphetamines.

In recent years people have discovered how to synthesise these chemicals, with the result that mephedrone and naphyrone have become widely available. Initially, mephedrone and naphyrone were not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act and so were legal to buy and sell. They became popular as legal highs through the club scene and many internet sites sold the drugs which, although not illegal, were often disguised as 'plant feeder' or 'research chemicals' which were 'not for human consumption'. 

Mephedrone and naphyrone are now Class B illegal drugs with severe penalties for possession and sale.

Mephedrone comes as a white, off-white, creamy or yellowish powder. It's usually snorted up into the nose (like cocaine). However, it may also be swallowed as pills, capsules or 'bombs' (small amounts of powder wrapped up in paper). Very occasionally, it's smoked or injected.

Mephedrone may also be known as meph, MCAT, miaow, bubbles, bath salts, white magic and plant feeder or just plant.

Naphyrone comes as a white crystalline powder which is snorted, swallowed or also taken as 'bombs'. It may also be known as, or found mixed with other drugs in, NRG-1, Energy1, O-2482 

Effects of mephedrone and naphyrone

We still have a lot to learn about mephedrone, naphyrone and related cathinones, and how they act, because there isn't a lot of research. But they're known to be stimulants, working on the brain's messaging chemicals called neurotransmitters, with effects similar to amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine.

This means they may make a user feel euphoric (happy or 'high') and more awake or alert. They may feel more confident, become very talkative and lose some of their inhibitions. This can make them feel relaxed and stress-free, but may also make them more likely to do things that they wouldn't normally do.

They may feel particularly empathetic or friendly to those around them.

These effects usually last about an hour.

Risks of mephedrone and naphyrone

The risks and side effects are also not yet clearly defined but include adverse psychological and psychiatric effects such as psychosis, paranoia and extreme anxiety. As a person comes down from the drug, especially after a binge, they may experience a very low mood and other symptoms. 

Mephedrone and naphyrone have physical effects, for example on the cardiovascular system. They may cause the heart to beat very fast (tachycardia) and the arteries to constrict or narrow leading to cold, blue hands and feet. Excessive stimulation of the nervous system may cause headaches, insomnia, agitation and hallucinations, and increase the risk of seizures, which may be fatal. 

Snorting the drug can damage the lining of the nose, causing nose bleeds. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, appetite suppression, sweating and changes in body temperature. It's thought that both drugs and others related to them may have contributed to a number of deaths in the UK and abroad. 

Naphyrone is much more potent than mephedrone, perhaps even 10 times more so, and this could lead to a greater risk of overdose as the temptation is to use it in amounts similar to mephedrone. There is also a possible risk of naphyrone causing cancer - the napthyl part of the compound is known to be carcinogenic.

Some people seem to find mephedrone especially compulsive, so that when they start taking some, it's very hard to stop until all the drug is gone. Psychological dependence can develop, especially with regular or heavy use (this means the person wants to keep taking the drug because it makes them feel good, and if they stop they may develop psychological withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety).

Talk to your doctor or local substance abuse centre if you are worried or want more information.