A white powder sample, expected to contain cocaine, was found to contain N-ethylhexedrone and no cocaine.

What does this mean?

N-ethylhexedrone is a synthetic cathinone and can produce stimulating effects including wakefulness, drive, talkativeness, euphoria, sensory enhancement, insomnia, cardiovascular strain, and anxiety.

It can take effect quickly (within minutes if insufflated/snorted and up to an hour if taken orally) and effects typically last between 3-4 hours with a potentially long tail of effect at high doses (up to 28 hours). Cathinones often show a steep dose-response, meaning even a slight increase in the amount taken can produce much stronger and long-lasting effects.

Comedowns and aftereffects can leave people feeling flat, anxious, irritable, and lethargic – sometimes for days or weeks afterwards.

When combined with other stimulants, the risk increases significantly.

Reducing the Harm

Test your stuff!

The contents of every sample may vary a lot, even if they appear similar or are from the same bath, same supplier, or same source.

Start low, go slow.

Take half or less and ask a trusted person to check on you. Experiencing adverse or unexpected effects? Ask for help and don’t take more.

Stay hydrated and keep cool.

Your hydration level at any given time is based on your fluid intake for the 72 hours prior; stay hydrated, but don’t drink too much (up to about 500 mL per hour while physically active).

Stay in the shade, use a cold compress, slow down and take breaks from dancing etc.

Think someone has overdosed?

Call 000 for an ambulance.