Contaminated MDMA powder and capsules
Cathinones, Ketamine and Ketamine Analogues found in MDMA capsule and powder supply in NSW
Recent samples of MDMA have shown to be mixed with various synthetic cathinones, ketamine, and ketamine analogues. This could produce a completely different experience than taking MDMA alone.
What are synthetic cathinones?
Synthetic cathinones are classified as NPS (new psychoactive substance) stimulants. Synthetic cathinones often mimic the effects of MDMA or methamphetamine but with a more intense high and longer-lasting side effects, such as restless sleep, dizziness and low moods, in the days following.
Synthetic cathinones can feel similar to MDMA or meth but often much more intense with less euphoria (“speedier”), and a shorter high.
What is Ketamine and Ketamine analogues?
Ketamine is a dissociative drug. Ketamine analogues, such as FXE, 2-FDCK or 2F-NENDCK, mimic ketamine’s chemical makeup but can produce different effects, including stronger dissociation or hallucinatory episodes.
Combining MDMA with ketamine and/or ketamine analogues can produce intense auditory, visual and bodily hallucinations. These combinations can also produce more intense emotional experiences than MDMA alone.
What to look for:
The effects of synthetic cathinones are active in low dose but take longer to kick in (sometimes up to two hours) which increases the risk of overdosing.
The reported effects of ketamine analogues include feeling more confident and manic (FXE) and a longer period of hallucinogenic sensations (2-FDCK). If the effects of your high are lasting longer than expected try to stay calm and seek assistance.
There’s no fool-proof way to know for sure if a substance is what you think it is without testing.
Test your substances
Reagent testing will only detect known substances, it may not detect some analogues or ‘novel’ substances. The only way to know for sure is to have the substance tested using analytical instrumentation. Currently CanTEST in Canberra offers this service.
Reagent test kits are available for purchase:
- Reagent indicator for ketamine: Morris A and Morris B reagent.
- Reagent indicator for cathinones: Marquis, Lieberman’s, Simon’s and Zimmermann’s reagent will detect most known synthetic cathinones.
Reduce your risk
- Start Low and Go Slow – only take a small amount to start with and use a physical timer – like a phone alarm – to space out your doses.
- Keep Hydrated – Drink 1 cup of water per hour or 2 if you are dancing or are in the heat. Add electrolyte drinks like sports drinks or coconut water for extra hydration.
- Limit alcohol intake – it’s not recommended to mix alcohol with MDMA or ketamine. These combinations can be toxic, best to avoid altogether.
If something is wrong, call for help
Call triple zero (000)
Start CPR if someone is not breathing
If they are breathing, put them in the recovery position (on their side).
You will not get in trouble for seeking help!
More information
Stay up to date with drug alerts and peer-led harm reduction information by following NUAA & DanceWize NSW on social media.
If you want non-judgemental support from an experienced member of the drug-using community, contact NUAA & DanceWize NSW’s PeerLine by calling 1800 644 413 or messaging us on social media.
Learn more about cocaine, heroin and opioids at dancewize.org.au/drug-info
See NSW Health’s official Drug Alert/Public Drug Warning at health.nsw.gov.au/aod/public-drug-alerts/