Methylone (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone, bk-MDMA) is a synthetic cathinone that occupies a pivotal position in both the history of designer drugs and the emerging science of psychedelic-assisted therapy. As the beta-keto analog of MDMA, methylone produces empathogenic and entactogenic effects qualitatively similar to MDMA — emotional openness, enhanced interpersonal connection, euphoria, and stimulation — but with a faster onset, shorter duration (3-5 hours versus 5-7 hours), and a pharmacological distinction that may carry significant safety implications .
The First "Bath Salt" Empathogen
Methylone became one of the defining substances of the "bath salts" era in the United States (2010-2012), a period of intense public alarm over synthetic cathinones sold in gas stations and headshops under deliberately misleading names like "Ivory Wave," "Vanilla Sky," and "Cloud Nine" . While media coverage focused disproportionately on extreme violent incidents — most notoriously the 2012 Miami "zombie attack" (which actually involved cannabis, not bath salts) — methylone's actual user base was primarily composed of people seeking a legal MDMA alternative. The drug was commonly sold as "Molly" (purported pure MDMA), and DEA analyses consistently found methylone to be one of the most common adulterants or outright substitutes in pills and powders marketed as MDMA .
A Critical Pharmacological Distinction
What distinguishes methylone from MDMA at the molecular level is increasingly seen as clinically significant. While both drugs interact with monoamine transporters, methylone shows substantially lower potency at VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2) and reduced off-target activity at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors . These differences suggest a potentially lower risk of serotonergic neurotoxicity compared to MDMA — a distinction that has attracted attention from clinical researchers exploring entactogens for psychiatric applications. Recent preclinical studies have characterized methylone as a**"rapid-acting neuroplastogen"** with robust anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activity and less off-target activity than MDMA .
References
Baumann MH et al. The designer methcathinone analogs, mephedrone and methylone, are substrates for monoamine transporters in brain tissue. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2012;37(5):1192-1203. Prosser JM, Nelson LS. The toxicology of bath salts: a review of synthetic cathinones. Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2012;8(1):33-42. Barnett BS et al. Methylone is a rapid-acting neuroplastogen with less off-target activity than MDMA. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2024;18:1353131.
Safety at a Glance
High Risk- Serotonin syndrome risk
- Austria: Since June 26, 2019, methylone is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the SMG. (Suchtmittelgesetz Öst...
- Toxicity: The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational methylone use do not seem to have been studied in any scien...
- Dangerous with: 25x-NBOH, 25x-NBOMe, Atropa belladonna, Datura, MDMA (+3 more)
- Overdose risk: Stimulant overdose from Methylone is a medical emergency primarily involving cardiovascular and n...
If someone is in crisis, call 911 or Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Dosage
oral
Duration
oral
Total: 2.5 hrs – 4 hrsHow It Feels
The onset of methylone arrives within thirty to forty-five minutes as a mild, pleasant warmth. Energy begins to build gently, the heart rate increases slightly, and there is a subtle but definite shift toward emotional openness and sociability. The come-up is smooth and gradual, lacking the dramatic rush of its more potent relatives. There is a quiet sense of something nice beginning, a pleasant anticipation that the coming hours will be warm and sociable without being overwhelming.
As the effects develop, methylone settles into a mild empathogenic state that bears a recognizable resemblance to MDMA but at reduced intensity. Social warmth increases: conversations feel more engaging and genuine, people seem more interesting and worthy of attention, and there is a gentle lowering of the emotional barriers that normally govern social interaction. Touch sensitivity is mildly enhanced, and music sounds richer. The stimulant component provides a light, pleasant energy that supports social activity without producing restlessness. The jaw may clench lightly, appetite diminishes, and body temperature rises slightly. The overall tone is one of pleasant, manageable empathogenic warmth.
At the peak, roughly ninety minutes to two hours in, methylone delivers a gentle version of the empathogenic experience. The emotional openness is real but not profound. The euphoria is present but moderate, more a sustained pleasant mood than any kind of ecstatic revelation. The headspace remains clear and functional. Social interaction is warm and easy, and there is a genuine enjoyment of connection and conversation. Physical effects are proportionally mild, making methylone one of the more physically comfortable empathogenic substances. The absence of overwhelming intensity is either a virtue or a limitation depending on what the user is seeking.
The decline begins around three to four hours in and is smooth and forgiving. The mild warmth gradually recedes, energy normalizes, and baseline mood returns without any dramatic drop. The comedown is gentle, among the mildest in the empathogenic class. There is little significant serotonergic depletion, and the following day is typically unremarkable. Sleep arrives without difficulty, appetite returns normally, and there are few residual effects. Methylone offers a low-stakes, accessible empathogenic experience, a warmth and sociability that is pleasant without being profound and comfortable without being memorable.
Subjective Effects
The effects listed below are based on the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal reports and personal analyses. They should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism. These effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects.
Physical Effects
Physical(18)
- Dehydration— A state of insufficient bodily hydration manifesting as persistent thirst, dry mouth, and physical d...
- Difficulty urinating— Difficulty urinating, also known as urinary retention, is the experience of being unable to easily p...
- Dry mouth— A persistent, uncomfortable reduction in saliva production causing the mouth and throat to feel parc...
- Increased blood pressure— Increased blood pressure (hypertension) is an elevation of arterial pressure above the normal 120/80...
- Increased bodily temperature— Increased bodily temperature (hyperthermia) is an elevation of core body temperature above the norma...
- Increased heart rate— A noticeable acceleration of heartbeat that can range from a subtle awareness of one's pulse to a fo...
- Increased libido— A marked enhancement of sexual desire, arousal, and sensitivity to erotic stimuli that can range fro...
- Nystagmus— Rapid, involuntary oscillating movements of the eyes that cause vision to vibrate and blur, often ma...
- Physical euphoria— An intensely pleasurable bodily sensation that can manifest as waves of warmth, tingling electricity...
- Pupil dilation— A visible enlargement of the pupil diameter (mydriasis) that can range from subtle widening to drama...
- Respiratory depression— A dangerous slowing and shallowing of breathing that can progress from barely noticeable reductions ...
- Seizure— Uncontrolled brain electrical activity causing convulsions and loss of consciousness -- a life-threa...
- Serotonin syndrome— Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal medical emergency caused by excessive serotonergic activit...
- Stimulation— A state of heightened physical and mental energy characterized by increased wakefulness, elevated mo...
- Teeth grinding— An involuntary clenching and rhythmic grinding of the jaw muscles, known clinically as bruxism, that...
- Temperature regulation disruption— Impaired thermoregulation causing unpredictable fluctuations between feeling hot and cold, with risk...
- Vasoconstriction— A narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body that produces sensations of cold extremities, tingl...
- Vibrating vision— Vibrating vision is the subjective experience of the visual field rapidly oscillating or shaking due...
Tactile(1)
- Tactile enhancement— The sense of touch becomes dramatically heightened, making physical contact feel intensely pleasurab...
Cognitive & Perceptual Effects
Cognitive(22)
- Amnesia— A complete or partial inability to form new memories or recall existing ones during and after substa...
- Anxiety— Intense feelings of apprehension, worry, and dread that can range from a subtle background unease to...
- Anxiety suppression— A partial to complete suppression of anxiety and general unease, producing a calm, relaxed mental st...
- Cognitive euphoria— A cognitive and emotional state of intense well-being, elation, happiness, and joy that manifests as...
- Cognitive fatigue— Mental exhaustion and difficulty sustaining thought after intense cognitive experiences, common duri...
- Compulsive redosing— An overwhelming, difficult-to-resist urge to continuously take more of a substance in order to maint...
- Delusion— A delusion is a fixed, false belief that is held with unshakeable certainty and is impervious to con...
- Depression— A persistent state of low mood, emotional numbness, hopelessness, and diminished interest or pleasur...
- Disinhibition— A marked reduction in social inhibitions, self-consciousness, and behavioral restraint that manifest...
- Empathy enhancement— A state of intensified compassion and emotional openness in which one feels deeply connected to othe...
- Immersion enhancement— A heightened capacity to become fully absorbed and engrossed in external media such as music, films,...
- Irritability— Irritability is a sustained state of emotional reactivity in which the threshold for annoyance, frus...
- Mania— Abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity with impulsive behavior and grandiosity, associated w...
- Motivation enhancement— A heightened sense of drive, ambition, and willingness to accomplish tasks, making productive effort...
- Motivation suppression— Motivation suppression is a state of diminished drive and willingness to engage in goal-directed beh...
- Panic attack— A panic attack is a discrete episode of acute, overwhelming fear or terror that arises suddenly and ...
- Paranoia— Irrational suspicion and belief that others are watching, plotting against, or intending harm toward...
- Psychosis— Psychosis is a serious psychiatric state involving a fundamental break from consensus reality — char...
- Thought acceleration— The experience of thoughts occurring at a dramatically increased rate, as if the mind has been shift...
- Thought deceleration— The experience of thoughts occurring at a markedly reduced pace, as if the mind has been placed into...
- Thought loops— Becoming trapped in a repeating cycle of thoughts, actions, and emotions that loops every few second...
- Wakefulness— An increased ability to stay awake and alert without the desire to sleep. Distinct from stimulation ...
Pharmacology
Monoamine Transporter Interactions
Methylone acts as a substrate at all three monoamine transporters — DAT, NET, and SERT — functioning as both a reuptake inhibitor and a releaser of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin . In this regard, its basic mechanism mirrors MDMA. However, the relative potencies differ in ways that shape its distinct pharmacological and subjective profile. Methylone is aless potent inhibitor of SERT than MDMA (Ki approximately 4.15 micromolar versus 2.62 micromolar for MDMA), resulting in relatively less serotonergic enhancement . Its norepinephrine-to-serotonin-to-dopamine release ratio has been characterized as NE > 5-HT > DA, with norepinephrine release being the most potent component.
The VMAT2 Distinction
The most pharmacologically significant difference between methylone and MDMA involves the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). MDMA is a potent substrate of VMAT2 — it disrupts vesicular monoamine storage by collapsing the proton gradient required for vesicular uptake, releasing stored monoamines (particularly serotonin) into the cytoplasm where they become available for reverse transport . Methylone showslow affinity for VMAT2 and minimal potency at either inhibiting VMAT2-mediated uptake or inducing VMAT2-mediated release . This distinction is potentially critical for safety: VMAT2 disruption is believed to be a key mechanism underlying MDMA's serotonergic neurotoxicity, as the resulting accumulation of cytoplasmic serotonin generates reactive oxidative metabolites that damage serotonergic axon terminals. Methylone's sparing of VMAT2 may therefore confer a meaningfully lower neurotoxicity risk.
Reduced Off-Target Activity
Beyond transporter interactions, methylone demonstrates a remarkably clean pharmacological profile compared to MDMA. Screening across 168 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) revealedno significant off-target activity for methylone, whereas MDMA showed notable binding at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors . The 5-HT2A receptor is implicated in both the psychedelic-like perceptual effects of MDMA at high doses and potential cardiotoxic mechanisms (5-HT2B receptor agonism). Methylone's lack of activity at these sites suggests a more selective entactogenic effect with fewer potential complications.
Clinical Effects Compared to MDMA
Human pharmacology studies directly comparing methylone and MDMA confirm that methylone produces the prototypical empathogenic/entactogenic effect profile — feelings of well-being, emotional closeness, sociability, and stimulation — but atlower intensity and with afaster overall time course . Subjective effects peak earlier and resolve sooner than MDMA, consistent with methylone's more rapid metabolism. Cardiovascular effects (heart rate and blood pressure elevation) are comparable between the two drugs at equimolar doses .
Neuroplastogenic Properties
Recent preclinical research has identified methylone as a rapid-acting neuroplastogen — a compound that promotes structural and functional neural plasticity in cortical neurons . Methylone promotes dendritic arbor growth and increases spine density in cortical neurons, effects believed to underlie the therapeutic potential of entactogens in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Critically, methylone achieves these neuroplastogenic effects with less off-target pharmacological activity than MDMA, making it a potentially cleaner therapeutic candidate .
References
Baumann MH et al. The designer methcathinone analogs, mephedrone and methylone, are substrates for monoamine transporters in brain tissue. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2012;37(5):1192-1203. Barnett BS et al. Methylone is a rapid-acting neuroplastogen with less off-target activity than MDMA. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2024;18:1353131. Papaseit E et al. Pharmacological effects of methylone and MDMA in humans. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2023;14:1122861.
Detection Methods
Standard Drug Panel Inclusion
Methylone is a substituted cathinone (synthetic cathinone) that is not included on standard 5-panel or 10-panel immunoassay drug screens. Some extended panels (particularly those marketed for "bath salts" detection) may include cross-reactive antibodies for the cathinone class, but coverage is inconsistent. The structural relationship to amphetamine means some cathinones trigger the amphetamine channel on immunoassays, but this is compound-specific and unreliable for Methylone.
Urine Detection
Methylone and its metabolites can typically be detected in urine for 2 to 4 days following a single dose. Repeated or binge-pattern use may extend this window to 5 or more days. Primary metabolic pathways involve reduction of the beta-keto group, N-dealkylation, and hydroxylation. The resulting metabolites are excreted renally, often as glucuronide or sulfate conjugates.
Blood and Saliva Detection
Blood detection windows for Methylone range from 12 to 48 hours depending on dose and individual metabolism. Plasma concentrations decline rapidly due to extensive distribution into tissues. Oral fluid testing can detect Methylone for approximately 24 to 48 hours but is not commonly deployed for synthetic cathinones outside of specialized forensic settings.
Hair Follicle Detection
Hair analysis can detect synthetic cathinones including Methylone for up to 90 days. Incorporation into the hair shaft follows standard pharmacokinetic principles for basic amines. However, most commercial hair testing panels do not specifically target Methylone, requiring custom LC-MS/MS methods with appropriate reference standards.
Confirmatory Testing
Definitive identification of Methylone requires instrumental analysis. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the preferred method for synthetic cathinones due to their thermal lability, which can cause degradation during gas chromatography. GC-MS remains usable but may require derivatization for optimal sensitivity. Reference standards specific to Methylone are necessary for quantitative confirmation.
Reagent Testing
Marquis reagent typically produces no reaction or a faint yellow-orange color with Methylone. Mecke reagent may show no significant color change. Mandelin reagent can produce a yellow to brown reaction. The lack of strong, characteristic color reactions with common reagents makes cathinone identification by reagent testing alone unreliable. A combination of Marquis, Mecke, Mandelin, and Simon's reagents can help rule out other substance classes but cannot positively confirm Methylone.
Interactions
| Substance | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 25x-NBOH | Dangerous | — |
| 25x-NBOMe | Dangerous | — |
| Atropa belladonna | Dangerous | Extreme cardiovascular strain from anticholinergic and stimulant effects combined |
| Datura | Dangerous | Extreme cardiovascular strain from anticholinergic and stimulant effects combined |
| Diphenhydramine | Dangerous | Extreme cardiovascular strain from anticholinergic and stimulant effects combined |
| Harmala alkaloid | Dangerous | Risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome; potentially fatal combination |
| Peganum harmala | Dangerous | Risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome; potentially fatal combination |
| MDMA | Unsafe | — |
| 1,3-Butanediol | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 25E-NBOH | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2C-T | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2C-T-2 | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2C-T-21 | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| Alcohol | Uncertain | — |
| Dissociatives | Uncertain | — |
History
Shulgin and Jacob Patent (1996)
Methylone was first synthesized and patented in 1996 byPeyton Jacob III andAlexander Shulgin at the University of California, San Francisco. The compound was covered under international patentWO 96/39133, which described a series of N-substituted 2-amino-3',4'-methylenedioxypropiophenones as potential antidepressant and antiparkinsonian agents . Despite the patent filing, methylone was never developed for clinical use — no pharmaceutical company pursued it through clinical trials, and the patent eventually expired without commercialization.
Dutch Smartshop Era (2004-2008)
Methylone entered the recreational drug market in approximately 2004, when Dutch smartshops began selling it under the brand name**"Explosion"** . Initially marketed as a "room odorizer" or "plant food" with "not for human consumption" disclaimers, it attracted users seeking a legal alternative to MDMA. The Netherlands' relatively permissive regulatory environment allowed open sales through physical retail outlets, and methylone developed a following in the European dance music scene as a shorter-acting, more stimulating alternative to MDMA.
The US "Bath Salts" Panic (2010-2012)
Methylone became central to the American "bath salts" moral panic of 2010-2012, when synthetic cathinones — sold in gas stations, headshops, and convenience stores under deliberately misleading product names — became a major media and law enforcement concern . Methylone was consistently identified as one of the most commonly encountered cathinones in products marketed as "bath salts," "plant food," or "research chemicals." DEA forensic analyses also frequently detected methylone in pills and powders sold as "Molly" (purported pure MDMA), making it one of the most common MDMA adulterants and substitutes during this period .
Emergency Scheduling and Schedule I (2011-2013)
On October 21, 2011, the DEA issued an emergency scheduling order temporarily placing methylone, mephedrone, and MDPV intoSchedule I of the Controlled Substances Act . When theFood and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 permanently scheduled mephedrone and MDPV, methylone's temporary scheduling was extended. PermanentSchedule I placement of methylone became effective onApril 12, 2013, following a final rule published in the Federal Register .
Therapeutic Renaissance (2022-present)
In a remarkable turn, methylone has recently attracted serious clinical research interest as a potential therapeutic agent. Preclinical studies published in 2023-2024 characterized methylone as a rapid-acting neuroplastogen with robust anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activity and a cleaner pharmacological profile than MDMA . At least one clinical-stage company has begun developing methylone for psychiatric indications, positioning this former "bath salt" as a potential next-generation entactogen for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD — a trajectory that would represent one of the most dramatic rehabilitations in psychopharmacology history.
References
Jacob P III, Shulgin AT. Novel N-substituted-2-amino-3',4'-methylenedioxypropiophenones. World Patent WO 96/39133. 1996. Bossong MG et al. Effects of the psychoactive compound MDMA and the research chemical methylone on subjective experience. Psychopharmacology. 2005;178:391-400. Prosser JM, Nelson LS. The toxicology of bath salts: a review of synthetic cathinones. Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2012;8(1):33-42. DEA. Chemicals Used in "Bath Salts" Now Under Federal Control and Regulation. Press Release, October 21, 2011. / Federal Register. 78 FR 21818. April 12, 2013. Barnett BS et al. Methylone is a rapid-acting neuroplastogen with less off-target activity than MDMA. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2024;18:1353131.
Harm Reduction
As with other stimulants,moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that,1 - 33 - 6 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Methylone presents cross-tolerance with Cross-all dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of methylone all stimulants will have a reduced effect.
Abuse of compounds within the stimulant class at high dosages for prolonged periods of time can potentially result in a stimulant psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions). A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely. The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.
Serotonin syndrome risk
Austria: Since June 26, 2019, methylone is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the SMG. (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich)
Brazil: Methylone is illegal to possess, produce and sell as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.
Canada: Although not listed as a Schedule 1 substance, Health Canada reports that methylone falls under
Toxicity & Safety
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational methylone use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because methylone has a very limited history of human usage.
Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried methylone within the community suggests that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying it at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Dependence and abuse potential
As with other stimulants, the chronic use of methylone can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.
Tolerance to many of the effects of methylone develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 1 - 3 weeks for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 3 - 6 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Methylone presents cross-tolerance with all dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of methylone all stimulants will have a reduced effect.
Abuse of compounds within the stimulant class at high dosages for prolonged periods of time can potentially result in a stimulant psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions). A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely. The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis. Psychosis very rarely arises from therapeutic use.
Dangerous interactions
Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
25x-NBOMe & 25x-NBOH - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with Methylone should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
Alcohol - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
DXM - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
MDMA - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
MXE - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
Dissociatives - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
Stimulants - Methylone may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Tramadol - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
Serotonin syndrome risk
Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.
MAOIs - Such as banisteriopsis caapi, syrian rue, phenelzine, selegiline, and moclobemide.
Serotonin releasers - Such as MDMA, 4-FA, methamphetamine, methylone and αMT.
SSRIs - Such as citalopram and sertraline
SNRIs - Such as tramadol and venlafaxine
Addiction Potential
moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse
Overdose Information
Stimulant overdose from Methylone is a medical emergency primarily involving cardiovascular and neurological toxicity.
Signs of overdose: Extremely rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe headache, dangerously elevated body temperature, seizures, agitation progressing to psychosis, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Emergency response:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Keep the person cool (remove excess clothing, apply cool water)
- If seizures occur, protect the head and clear the area of hard objects
- If the person loses consciousness, place in recovery position
- Do not give the person more stimulants, caffeine, or depressants unless directed by medical professionals
Prevention: Pre-measure doses. Avoid redosing. Stay hydrated (but don't overhydrate). Take breaks from physical activity. Monitor heart rate if possible. Have someone present who can recognize warning signs.
Dangerous Interactions
The combinations listed below may be life-threatening. Independent research should always be conducted to ensure safety when combining substances.
Extreme cardiovascular strain from anticholinergic and stimulant effects combined
Extreme cardiovascular strain from anticholinergic and stimulant effects combined
Extreme cardiovascular strain from anticholinergic and stimulant effects combined
Risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome; potentially fatal combination
Risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome; potentially fatal combination
Tolerance
| Full | develops with prolonged and repeated use |
| Half | 1 - 3 weeks |
| Zero | 3 - 6 weeks |
Cross-tolerances
Legal Status
Austria: Since June 26, 2019, methylone is illegal to possess, produce and sell under the SMG. (Suchtmittelgesetz Österreich)
Brazil: Methylone is illegal to possess, produce and sell as it is listed on Portaria SVS/MS nº 344.
Canada: Although not listed as a Schedule 1 substance, Health Canada reports that methylone falls under the scheduling as an analogue of amphetamine. However, methylone bears the exact chemical difference between amphetamine and cathinone; cathinone is listed as not being an analogue of amphetamine leading to imply that methylone is unscheduled in Canada.
Germany: Methylone is controlled under Anlage II BtMG (Narcotics Act, Schedule II) as of July 26, 2012. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, import, export, buy, sell, procure or dispense it without a license.
The Netherlands: Methylone is covered by the Medicine Act. Because methylone is not approved officially, it is forbidden to trade methylone.
New Zealand: Although methylone is not explicitly scheduled and falls outside the strict definitions of an "amphetamine analogue" in the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is considered to be "substantially similar" to methcathinone and is thus considered by law enforcement authorities to be a Class C illegal drug.
Russia: Methyloneis classed as a Schedule I prohibited substance.
Sweden: Methylone has been listed as a Schedule I narcotic in Sweden as of October 1, 2010.
Switzerland: Methylone is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis D.
United Kingdom: Methylone is a Class B drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the cathinone catch-all clause.
United States: As of October 21, 2011, the DEA has issued an emergency ban on methylone. It is illegal to possess and distribute.
Responsible use
Entactogens
Stimulants
Substituted cathinones
Mephedrone
Methylone (Wikipedia)
Methylone (Erowid Vault)
Methylone (Isomer Design)
Methylone (Drugs-Forum)
Discussion
The Big & Dandy bk-MDMA (Methylone) Thread (Bluelight)
Experience Reports (1)
Tips (7)
Do not take Methylone in the afternoon or evening if you want to sleep that night. Most stimulants have long half-lives and even if you feel you can sleep, the quality will be significantly impaired.
Do not combine Methylone with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs. Many stimulants have serotonergic activity, and combinations can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis, both medical emergencies.
Weigh your dose of Methylone with a milligram scale. Street stimulants vary wildly in purity and potency. What looks like a normal amount could be significantly stronger than expected, especially with a new batch.
Methylone is often sold as or substituted for MDMA. Always reagent test your substances. Marquis will react differently for methylone versus MDMA, helping you identify what you actually have.
If you snort Methylone, use a clean straw (never shared), crush the powder as finely as possible, alternate nostrils, and rinse with saline spray after your session. Chronic insufflation damages nasal tissue and septum.
If your heart rate exceeds 150 BPM or your blood pressure feels dangerously elevated after taking methylone, sit down in a cool area, sip water slowly, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist beyond 30 minutes.
Community Discussions (2)
See Also
References (5)
- Amphetamine: new content for an old topic — Heal et al. Neuropsychopharmacology Reviews (2013)paper
- MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD — Mithoefer et al. Psychopharmacology (2019)paper
- PubChem: Methylone
PubChem compound page for Methylone (CID: 45789647)
pubchem - Methylone - TripSit Factsheet
TripSit factsheet for Methylone
tripsit - Methylone - Wikipedia
Wikipedia article on Methylone
wikipedia