Image

4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), N,N-dimethylpentylone (DMP) and MDMA found in ‘MDMA’ sample

Source: CanTEST
Drug sold as: MDMA

A tan powder expected to contain MDMA (ecstasy), was found to contain 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), N,N-dimethylpentylone (DMP) and MDMA.

What is 4-CMC & DMP? 4-chloromethcathinone and N,N-dimethylpentylone are both synthetic cathinones.

Effects and signs of overdose can be similar to those of other stimulants, like methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Cathinones like 4-CMC & DMP carry the risk of cardiac events (e.g. heart attack) and neurotoxicity. Signs might include a fast heart rate, dilated pupils, disorientation, hallucinations, high blood pressure and overheating. Some user reports indicate that comedown from many synthetic cathinones can list several days or weeks, and can be accompanied by insomnia and suicidal ideation. CanTEST has separately detected 4-CMC & DMP and issued community notices, but this is the first time these two cathinones have been detected together, and with MDMA.

Reducing the harm

Test your stuff! Come and see us at CanTEST for testing in Canberra, we can and have detected several cathinones over the past 18 months. Always assume your drugs may not be what you expect. Generally, people don’t realise they’re potentially consuming cathinones. 

Stay cool and hydrated. Cathinones can significantly affect body temp regulation.

Carry naloxone, never use alone and ask a trusted person to check on you.

Don’t mix it with alcohol or other drugs. Combining cathinones with alcohol or other drugs can increase the risk. Chat with CanTEST’s harm reduction staff for more info on how to reduce the risk.

Start low & go slow. Experiencing delayed, adverse or unexpected effects? Don’t take more. Wait at least two hours before redosing and be aware that if you’ve unexpectedly  used cathinones, you may experience a high redosing impulse.
Think someone has overdosed? Call 000 for an ambulance immediately