Cathinones de synthèse : 3-MMC, 4-MMC, alpha-PVP – Effets, dangers et dépistage avec le test urinaire Drugdiag® 6T – Détection rapide des nouvelles drogues stimulantes.

Synthetic cathinones: a new generation of stimulant drugs


Synthetic cathinones are psychoactive substances that have emerged in the last two decades. Derived from chemical modifications of cathinone, a molecule naturally present in the khat plant ( Catha edulis ), they imitate the effects of classic stimulants such as cocaine, MDMA or amphetamines.

New synthetic drugs (NPDs) include these cathinones, but also other substances that attempt to reproduce the effects of existing illicit drugs such as ecstasy/MDMA, amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis or LSD. However, most of these NPDs are much more potent, more dangerous and more addictive than the drugs they imitate, which increases the risks for users.

Widely consumed in party circles and as part of chemsex, these drugs are particularly worrying because of their powerful effects, their high dependence and their serious health risks.

The main synthetic cathinones

Since the banning of many substances in Europe, new cathinones have been appearing regularly on the black market. Some have gained significant popularity and are now closely monitored by health authorities.

3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone)

3-MMC is a synthetic drug very similar to mephedrone (4-MMC) , banned in France in 2010. It appeared as a legal substitute before being itself classified as a narcotic on August 18, 2022 .

Desired effects :

  • Feeling of euphoria and intense physical stimulation
  • Increased sociability and disinhibition
  • Increased heart rate and alertness

Risks and dangers :

  • Strong psychological dependence and compulsive use
  • Anxiety attacks, paranoia, hallucinations
  • Cardiovascular and neurological disorders
  • Dehydration and hyperthermia

Its relatively low cost makes it a cheap alternative to cocaine , which explains its widespread use in certain party circles and in the context of chemsex , a practice which combines substance use and prolonged sexual intercourse.

 

4-MMC (4-methylmethcathinone)

4-MMC , also known as mephedrone , is a synthetic cathinone that was widely used in party circles before being banned in France in 2010. It was one of the first synthetic drugs to gain popularity, particularly because of its effects similar to MDMA , but with a shorter and more compulsive action, encouraging repeated use .

Desired effects :

  • Feeling of euphoria and intense physical stimulation
  • Increased sociability and disinhibition
  • Feeling of increased energy and increased heart rate


Risks and dangers :

  • Rapid dependence with risk of overconsumption
  • Hypertension and cardiovascular disorders
  • States of agitation, panic attacks and paranoia
  • Severe insomnia and mental confusion

Its powerful stimulant effect and rapid onset made it a highly sought-after substance, particularly in party circles and chemsex , where it was used to prolong sexual intercourse . Its ban led to the emergence of new cathinones , including 3-MMC , which took over until its ban in 2022.

 

Other synthetic cathinones

Many other molecules have emerged since the banning of 3-MMC and 4-MMC , often with slightly modified structures to circumvent the legislation:

  • alpha-PVP : Nicknamed “flakka”, known for its extremely powerful effects and neurotoxic potential.
  • N-ethylpentylone : ​​Often sold as MDMA, but with much more dangerous effects.
  • Mephedrone-like (3-CMC, 4-CMC, 4-FMC, etc.) : chemical variants developed after the banning of the most well-known cathinones.

 

A constantly evolving market

The gradual ban on synthetic cathinones has led to the emergence of new molecules with slightly modified compositions to circumvent the law. This phenomenon complicates monitoring and makes it difficult to prevent associated risks.

These substances are mainly purchased via the darknet or through specialist dealers who take advantage of the lack of regulation to offer cathinones that are not yet banned.

 

Cathinones and chemsex

Cathinones, particularly 3-MMC and 4-MMC , are frequently used in chemsex , a practice that involves using drugs to prolong and intensify sexual intercourse .

They increase endurance and disinhibition, but they also expose you to major risks:

  • Increased risky relationships and increased transmission of STIs
  • Psychological dependence and compulsive use
  • Paranoid states and psychotic crises

The Pierre Palmade affair , which occurred in February 2023, highlighted the dangers linked to these practices and their impact on public health.

Detection of cathinones in urine

Faced with the rise of new synthetic drugs , it is essential to have reliable and accurate screening tests .

The Drugdiag® T 6 synthetic drugs urine test can detect all synthetic cathinones used today, including 3-MMC, 4-MMC and their derivatives .

Thanks to its advanced technology, it offers a rapid and effective solution to identify these substances, both for health professionals and law enforcement .

 

Conclusion

Synthetic cathinones represent a major challenge for public health , due to their rapid diffusion, their high addictive potential and the serious risks they engender .

Despite their gradual ban, new variants appear regularly, making prevention and screening more difficult. The Drugdiag® 6T urine test is an essential tool for detecting these substances and reducing the risks associated with their consumption .

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