Instability of the ecstasy market and a new kid on the block: mephedrone
Tibor M Brunt, Anneke Poortman, Raymond J.m. Niesink, Wim van den Brink
Journal of Psychopharmacology September 8, 2010 DOI: 10.1177/0269881110378370 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 70 |
| Population | Regular ecstasy users |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Mephedrone Cathinone Recreational drug Designer drug Pharmacology Amphetamine |
| Citations | 217 |
| Key findings | Mephedrone partially replaced MDMA in ecstasy tablets in the Netherlands in 2009, producing amphetamine-like effects and strong cravings in most users. |
Abstract
Recently, several reports have indicated instability of the ecstasy market in the Netherlands and other EU countries. In the current study, we demonstrate this instability in the Netherlands, showing a decrease of ecstasy tablets containing 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) by more than 50% in 2009. In addition, we describe a partial replacement of MDMA in tablets sold as ecstasy by a previously unseen substance, mephedrone (or 4-methylmethcathinone). Mephedrone was quantified and ecstasy tablets contained between 96 and 155 mg of this new compound. So far, no studies about mephedrone’s effects have been published. For this study, we gathered information on the acute subjective effects of mephedrone from 70 regular ecstasy users. Overall, the majority of users considered the effects enjoyable. Mephedrone seemed to evoke effects similar to other amphetamine type psychostimulants, including MDMA. In contrast to MDMA, however, mephedrone induced strong feelings of craving in most users. If the unstable ecstasy market situation persists, the potential of mephedrone to substitute for MDMA might be substantial. Mephedrone, sold as ecstasy, is therefore likely to be a valid cause for health concern.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Individuals who took MDMA in a clinical setting | 1986 | Observational study | |
| Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Abstinent MDMA users | 1998 | Observational cohort | |
| Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Otherwise healthy young people | 2000 | Observational | |
| The Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA on Normal Volunteers Older, more educated, drug-experienced individuals | 1986 | Observational cohort | |
| Cognitive performance in recreational users of MDMA or 'ecstasy': evidence for memory deficits Young people who were regular or novice MDMA users, or non-users | 1998 | Observational cohort | n = 30 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 39
- Clinical toxicology of newer recreational drugs Clinical Toxicology October 1, 2011
- Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants Frontiers in Neuroscience April 19, 2016
- Designer drugs 2015: assessment and management Addiction Science & Clinical Practice March 11, 2015
- New psychoactive substances as adulterants of controlled drugs. A worrying phenomenon? Drug Testing and Analysis 2014
- Monitoring new psychoactive substances (NPS) in The Netherlands: data from the drug market and the Poisons Information Centre. Drug and Alcohol Dependence February 1, 2015
and 34 more in the library
Cites 7
- A review of the acute subjective effects of MDMA/ecstasy Addiction March 24, 2006
- Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Hepatic Metabolism of Designer Drugs of the Amphetamine (Ecstasy), Piperazine, and Pyrrolidinophenone Types Therapeutic Drug Monitoring March 19, 2004
- mCPP: an undesired addition to the ecstasy market. Journal of Psychopharmacology September 2010
- The sub-acute effects of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) use: a controlled study in humans. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 2006
- 3,4-Methylenedioxy analogues of amphetamine: defining the risks to humans. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews March 1999
and 2 more in the library