Mephedrone and related cathinones are now controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. From the 16th April 2010, they became classified as Class B drugs, meaning that they are illegal to be sold and illegal to possess. The importation of these substances into the country has already been banned.

Class B means that there is now a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail and an unlimited fine for possession and 14 years and unlimited fine for supply.

Mephedrone overstimulates the nervous system, which can lead to fits, and it also overstimulates the heart and circulation. Its use may even lead to death. Taking higher doses or bingeing would substantially increase the risks of suffering serious harm. If mephedrone is used with alcohol, the health risks are also greater.

The risks and effects

Although the risks are now becoming increasingly clear, there is still concern that no one really knows what the exact dangers of mephedrone are. The current scientific evidence is limited but self reports from users and clinical observations by doctors do suggest that mephedrone can:

• produce feelings of euphoria and arousal
• make you feel more alert
• make you more talkative
• create feelings of empathy
• reduce inhibitions
• make you feel anxious or paranoid
• over stimulate your heart making it beat faster
• over stimulate your nervous system which can cause fits
• restrict your circulation which can cause cold / blue hands and feet
• damage the nose through snorting and bring on severe nose bleeds
• bring on a low mood and comedown after a binge
• cause death

These risks are likely to be increased if you combine mephedrone with alcohol or other drugs.

» Visit the mephedrone A-Z page

» Visit the cathinones A-Z page

» Read someone’s experience of mephedrone