Methedrone

Methedrone (para-methoxymethcathinone, 4-methoxymethcathinone, bk-PMMA, PMMC, methoxyphedrine) is a stimulant and entactogen drug of the phenethylamine, amphetamine, and cathinone chemical classes. It is a triple reuptake/release/reversible MAO inhibitor. It is closely related to para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), methylone and mephedrone, and likely has a similar pharmacological profile. It may still be legal in some countries, but its sale has been banned in Sweden and the UK. Its prior availability via the internet led to increased use of the drug.

Effects
Subjective effects have been reported similar to both MDMA and amphetamines, producing responses such as increased sociability, euphoria, disinhibition, energy and stimulation. Physiological responses include pupil dilation, hyperthermia and increased perspiration.

Health risks
As 4-methoxymethcathinone is a relatively new drug with little exposure experienced by humans, there are many concerns for possible ill health effects that are currently unknown. It is known that 4-methoxymethcathinone was almost immediately withdrawn from sale by initial vendors after unsubstantiated reports of adverse health symptoms. Some amphetamine analogs containing a para-methoxy group are known to cause severe hyperthermia and even death due to concurrent MAOI and monoamine releasing action.

Overdosage
The deaths of two young men in southeast Sweden in 2009 were attributed to methedrone overdosage. Both were comatose when found. One suffered cardiorespiratory arrest on the way to the hospital, while the second survived for 16 hours in the emergency department.