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Using mephedrone with other drugs

Although it is currently unknown exactly how mephedrone works, it likely to interact with other drugs in the way that other stimulants do.

• Prescription medication - Mixing mephedrone with prescription medication may have serious effects, such as dangerously high blood pressure, seratonin toxicity, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, overheating and fits.  If used with medications for psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and HIV, medications may stop working.
• Other stimulants -  Mephedrone is classed as a stimulant, so if it is used with other stimulants such as coke or ecstasy as the risk of overdose is greatly increased because of the extra strain on the body. 
• Depressants - If mephedrone is mixed with a depressant such as alcohol, benzos or cannabis the effects of the stimulant drug (mephedrone) will usually mask the effects of the depressant drug. This means that the effects of the depressant drug may not be felt. Mixing depressants and stimulants also puts a lot of extra strain on the body and can lead to overdose and dependence.

‘Bad trip' - what it is and what to do

If someone you know starts to feel ill, act immediately. Go somewhere quiet and try to keep them calm.
 
If someone collapses after taking mephedrone, turn them on their side and put them in the recovery position. 

Check to see if they have anything in their mouth and that their airway is clear.

If you suspect that someone may have overdosed on mephedrone, call an ambulance on '000' (in Australia) as fast as you can. When it arrives tell the ambulance officer exactly what your friend has been taking.

The ambulance officer is interested in helping the ill person - they are not interested in giving you lectures. They can help the sick person the best if they know what they've taken - it only slows down the process and puts the sick person in more danger, if the ambulance officers are given the wrong information.

They are not required to call the police unless they are in danger or there is evidence of criminal activity not relating to the drugs.

If the person has collapsed whilst waiting for the ambulance lay the person on their side in the recovery position to keep their airway open. Try to keep the person cool - you can do this by using cold water or ice packs.

Overdose – what it is and what to do

The term overdose is used to describe the ingestion or application of a drug at a dosage that is high enough to cause harm or result in death. Severe overdoses may cause respiratory depression, heart failure, coma, seizures and death.

If someone has a serious reaction to using Mephedrone, it is important to receive medical attention as soon as possible; quick thinking and action could be the difference between life and death.

If you find yourself in this situation:

• Call 000 straight away. Ambulance officers are not obliged to involve the police.
• Stay with the person and perform CPR if necessary.
• Ensure the person has adequate space and air around them by keeping crowds back, opening windows and loosening tight clothing.
• If a person is unconscious, don’t leave them on their back, roll them onto their side in the recovery position, by tilting their head back slightly to stop them from choking and making sure there is nothing already blocking their airway.
• Try and provide the ambulance officers with as much information as possible – what drug was taken, how much, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions of the user.

Harm reduction advice

Limit initial dose to a small amount and avoid re-dosing as overdosing can lead to complications or fatalities.

Avoid mixing. Combining a drug with mephedrone can result in various complications.
If snorting, ensure you clean nose thoroughly after use as mephedrone may irritate the lining of the nose. It is also best to use a straw. For hygiene reasons and to avoid infection, ensure the straw is not shared with anyone else.

Avoid redosing: Many reports of mephedrone use involve redosing ("boosting" / "bumping") multiple times. Because of the common desire to recapture the pleasurable initial high, redoses are sometimes higher than the initial dose or are spaced closely together in time.

Many users report having difficulty not redosing after using a strong dose if more mephedrone is available when they are starting to come down. Experience reports in which users find themselves unexpectedly consuming a gram or more of mephedrone are common.

Tolerance and withdrawal

Initial reports suggested that mephedrone was a "non-addictive" alternative to methamphetamine, cocaine, and other stimulants, but there is increasing evidence that it causes compulsive use patterns that are similar to or stronger than those of other recreational euphoric stimulants.

It is unlikely to be physically addictive, meaning that withdrawal symptoms are minimal and likely not life threatening, but psychological addiction in some users seems likely to be a problem with this substance.

Driving

Driving under the influence of mephedrone can be particularly dangerous given the associated sensory changes that occur with use.

Driving under the influence of any illicit drug is a criminal offense. Penalties may include loss of licence, fine and/or jail.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Little is known about the effects of mephedrone on the unborn child. As is the case with many other drugs and medications, it is recommended that people do not use mephedrone while pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is possible that the drug may be present in breastmilk and have adverse effects of the development of the baby. It is probable that taking a potent stimulant with vasoconstrictive properties whilst pregnant could be detrimental.