Also known as
Explosion, bk-mdma, ease, M1, neocor, mdmc
Classification
Stimulanta drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, increasing some rates of function such as heart-rate
Overview
Methylone is a drug that speeds the body’s responses (stimulanta drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, increasing some rates of function such as heart-rate) and makes people feel closer to others (entactogenpromote emotional openness and connectedness More). It is similar to the effects of MDMASee Ecstasy More (ecstasy). It became a controlled drug along with mephedrone in 2010 1.
What does it look like?
Was first sold in liquid form under the branding name ‘explosion’, but can also be found in powder form 1.
Why take it?
Sought after effects
- euphoriafeelings of joy and happiness,
- stimulationcan be defined as any changes in a person's energy levels which are interpreted as stimulating and encouraging when it comes to movement and physical activities such as running, walking, cleaning, socializing, dancing, and climbing More,
- feeling of ‘one-ness’,
- empathy 1.
Dosage – Abuse
Oral
- threshold – 60 – 100 mg,
- light – 100 – 150 mg,
- common – 150 – 225 mg,
- strong – 225 – 325 mg,
- heavy – 325 mg + 2.
How long do its effects last?
Onset of effects
- oral – 15 – 60 minutes 2.
Peak
- oral – 60 – 90 minutes 2.
Offset
- oral – 60 – 120 minutes 2.
Duration of effects
- oral – 2 – 4 hours 2.
After-effects
- oral – 6 – 24 hour 2.
Pharmacology
Methylone is thought to inhibit serotonin, norephephrine (noradrenaline) and dopamine reuptake, which produces an increase in these neurotransmitters. Reuptake of a neurotransmitter involves recycling it back into the storage section of the neuronal cell to be used again later. Inhibiting this reuptake process maintains the neurotransmitter within the synaptic space and allows the effects to continue. Furthermore, although methylone has an affinity for (ability to bind to) the serotonin transporter, it is 3 times less than MDMASee Ecstasy More, whereas the affinity for norepinephrine and dopamine transporters are similar 1.
Toxicity
Tolerance
Tolerancethis is the process by which the receptors in your brain become habituated to the action of a drug. When tolerance is reached, more of the drug is required to achieve the same effect. With benzodiazepines, and probably with many other classes of drugs as well, tolerance is virtually always associated with some degree of physical dependence. If you find that you are experiencing tolerance, this is a clear warning sign that you may have formed a dependence. More 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 3 – 7 days for the tolerancethis is the process by which the receptors in your brain become habituated to the action of a drug. When tolerance is reached, more of the drug is required to achieve the same effect. With benzodiazepines, and probably with many other classes of drugs as well, tolerance is virtually always associated with some degree of physical dependence. If you find that you are experiencing tolerance, this is a clear warning sign that you may have formed a dependence. More to be reduced to half and 1 – 2 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 2.
Psychosis
Abuse of compounds within the stimulanta drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, increasing some rates of function such as heart-rate class at high dosages for prolonged periods of time can potentially result in a stimulanta drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, increasing some rates of function such as heart-rate psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoiasuspicion, distrust or fear of other people, hallucinationswhere someone sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels things that don't exist outside of their mind, or delusions) 3. A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5% – 15% of users fail to recover completely 3, 4. The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis 3. Psychosis very rarely arises from therapeutic use 2.
Mode of use
- Drunk – the liquid form is taken orally,
- Snorted – the powder form is snorted or sniffed 1.
Effects
Physical effects
- spontaneous physical sensations,
- stimulationcan be defined as any changes in a person's energy levels which are interpreted as stimulating and encouraging when it comes to movement and physical activities such as running, walking, cleaning, socializing, dancing, and climbing More,
- tactile enhancement,
- dehydration,
- difficulty urinating,
- increased blood pressure,
- increased heart rate,
- increased perspiration,
- teeth grinding,
- temperature regulation suppression 2.
Cognitive effects
- anxiety,
- cognitive euphoriastate of intense well-being, happiness, and excitement More,
- depression,
- irritability,
- mindfulness,
- time distortion,
- analysis enhancementbest described as a subtle to distinct enhancement of one's overall ability to process information and logically or creatively analyse concepts, ideas and scenarios. The experience of this leads onto deep and complex states of contemplation which often result in an abundance of new and insightful ideas. This gives the person a powerful ability to dissect and rationally analyse concepts and problems, allowing them to gain insights and reach new conclusions, perspectives and solutions which would have been otherwise difficult to conceive of. More,
- increased libido,
- increased music appreciation,
- thought acceleration,
- wakefulness,
- cognitive fatiguethe decline in the ability to think effectively and maintain focus. More,
- motivation suppression,
- thought deceleration 2.
Visual effects
- vibrating vision 2.
After effects
The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulanta drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, increasing some rates of function such as heart-rate experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a “comedown” and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion 2. Its effects commonly include –
- anxiety,
- cognitive fatiguethe decline in the ability to think effectively and maintain focus. More,
- depression,
- irritability,
- motivation suppression,
- thought deceleration,
- wakefulness 2.
Addiction
Can you get addicted?
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 2.
Interactions
Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption 2.
- Stimulants – Methylone can be potentially dangerous in combination with other stimulants as it can increase one’s heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
- 25x-NBOMe – Both the NBOMe series and this compound induce powerful stimulationcan be defined as any changes in a person's energy levels which are interpreted as stimulating and encouraging when it comes to movement and physical activities such as running, walking, cleaning, socializing, dancing, and climbing More and their interaction may cause severe side-effects. These can include thought loops, seizuresthe outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness More, increased blood pressure, vasoconstrictionnarrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels (in particular the large arteries and small arterioles), increased heart rate, and heart failure (in extreme cases).
- Alcohol – It is dangerous to combine alcohol, a depressant, with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants decrease the sedativeOne of a diverse group of drugs manufactured for medical purposes to relax the central nervous system. More effect of alcohol which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulanta drug that acts on the Central Nervous System, increasing some rates of function such as heart-rate wears off, the effects of alcohol will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as respiratory depressionslowing the drive and effectiveness of breathing More. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
- DXM – This combination may cause increased heart rate and panic attacks.
- MXE – Increased heart rate and blood pressure may occur.
- Tramadol – This combination can increase the risk of seizuresthe outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness More.
- Cocaine – This combination may increase strain on the heart 2.
Dangerous
- αMT,
- Tramadol – Tramadol and stimulants both increase the risk of seizuresthe outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness More,
- MAOIsMAOIs may be used to treat the symptoms of depression. More – MAO-B inhibitors can increase the potency and duration of phenethylamines unpredictably. MAO-A inhibitors with amphetamine can lead to hypertensive crises 5.
Unsafe
- DOx – The combined stimulating effects of the two can lead to an uncomfortable body-load, while the focusing effects of amphetamine can easily lead to thought loops. Coming down from amphetamines while the DOx is still active can be quite anxiogenicsomething that causes anxiety More.
- NBOMes – Amphetamines and NBOMes both provide considerable stimulationcan be defined as any changes in a person's energy levels which are interpreted as stimulating and encouraging when it comes to movement and physical activities such as running, walking, cleaning, socializing, dancing, and climbing More. When combined they can result in tachycardiarapid pulse rate, hypertensionhigh blood pressure, vasoconstrictionnarrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels (in particular the large arteries and small arterioles) and in extreme cases heart failure. The anxiogenicsomething that causes anxiety More and focusing effects of stimulants are also not good in combination with psychedelics as they can lead to unpleasant thought loops. NBOMes are known to cause seizuresthe outward effect can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement (tonic-clonic seizure) to as subtle as a momentary loss of awareness More and stimulants can increase this risk.
- 2C-T-x – Stimulants increase anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops which can lead to negative experiences. In extreme cases, they can result in severe vasoconstrictionnarrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels (in particular the large arteries and small arterioles), tachycardiarapid pulse rate, hypertensionhigh blood pressure, and in extreme cases heart failure.
- 5-MeO-xxT – The anxiogenicsomething that causes anxiety More and focusing effects of stimulants increase the chance of unpleasant thought loops. The combination is generally unnecessary because of the stimulating effects of psychedelics.
- DXM – Both substances raise heart rate, in extreme cases, panic attacks caused by these drugs have led to more serious heart issues.
- PCP – This combination can easily lead to hypermanic states 5.
Harm reduction
There is very little information out there about harm reduction techniques as methylone is still a relatively new drug, with little risk information available. For this reason it is highly advised that people start off with very small doses, and do not exceed above 200 mg in a session. A large number of people have reported that anything above 180 to 200 mg will increase your heart rate and blood pressure to a very worrying level.
When the product was sold legally, it was advised that one should take half a bottle first (a full bottle was 180 mg), and only take the other if you were sure you were ok to do so. It is not advised to mix methylone with alcohol, medicines, or any other drugs 1.
History
The drug methylone first made an appearance in 2004 under the name ‘Explosion’ in a number of smart shops in the Netherlands. The product was advertised as a ‘room odouriser’ containing 5ml of the liquid drug.
When the new product was first introduced, there was much confusiontrouble focusing, slow or disorganised thinking, poor short-term memory, unsure of time or place, or having difficulty following a conversation over what each bottle contained. It was not until January 2005 that the contents of ‘explosion’ was analysed. In March 2005 there was only one manufacturer and therefore this one sample analysis came to represent all ‘Explosion’ bottles, despite any further quantitative and confirmative data.
The new drug gained a great amount of popularity after the Dutch radio presenter Giel Beelen took the drug during a live show 1.
Footnotes:
Methylone, 2017, http://www.release.org.uk/drugs/methylone
Methylone, 2017, https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/Methylone
Shoptaw, S. J. and Kao, U. and Ling, W., Treatment for amphetamine psychosis, Cochrane Library, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract
Hofmann, F. G., A Handbook on Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Biomedical Aspects, 1983, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, New York, ISBN 9780195030570, 329
Methylone, 2017, http://drugs.tripsit.me/methylone