4-CMC Found in ‘MDMA’ sample
A light green triangle pressed pill printed with a ‘Tesla’ notation expected to contain MDMA (ecstasy), was found to contain 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC).
What is 4-CMC? 4-chloromethcathinone is a synthetic cathinone.
Effects and signs of overdose can be similar to those of other stimulants, like methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Cathinones like 4-CMC carry the risk of cardiac events (e.g. heart attack) and neurotoxicity. Signs might include a fast heartrate, dilated pupils, disorientation, hallucinations, high blood pressure and overheating. Some user reports indicate that comedown from many synthetic cathinones can last several days or weeks, and be accompanied by insomnia and suicidal ideation.
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 & 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 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.