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Methylone and mCPP, two new drugs of abuse?
M G Bossong1, J P Van Dijk, R J M Niesink
1Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), Trimbos Institute for Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, the Netherlands. mbossong@trimbos.nl
Addiction Biology
|December 2, 2005
Summary
Two new ecstasy-like drugs, methylone and mCPP, have been identified in Dutch street drugs. Their effects and risks are not fully understood but may resemble those of MDMA.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Neuropharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The Dutch market has seen the emergence of novel psychoactive substances.
- Methylone (3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone) and mCPP (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine) are identified as ecstasy-like compounds.
- These substances are increasingly detected in recreational drug supplies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the detection of methylone and mCPP in street drugs.
- To characterize the pharmacological and potential risks of these novel substances.
- To compare their actions to MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
Main Methods:
- Drug analysis by the Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS).
- Pharmacological profiling based on known monoaminergic activity.
- Comparison of subjective effects and potential risks with MDMA.
Main Results:
- Methylone identified as the primary component in a new liquid designer drug, 'Explosion'.
- mCPP detected in both tablet and powder forms of street drugs.
- Both methylone and mCPP interact with monoaminergic systems, particularly serotonin for mCPP.
- Subtle differences in subjective effects compared to MDMA observed.
Conclusions:
- Methylone and mCPP represent new additions to the illicit drug market.
- Their pharmacological profiles suggest potential risks similar to MDMA.
- Further research is crucial to understand the specific harmfulness of methylone and mCPP.
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