Methcathinone, is a monoamine alkaloid and psychoactive stimulant, a substituted cathinone. Methcathinone is a highly addictive drug, primarily psychologically addicting and most of the signs of addiction to the drug are emotional or psychological. It has been popularized and continues to be sold under misleading names such as “bath salts”, “plant fertilizers” or “research chemicals”, but it is actually a powerful psycho-stimulant used as a recreational drug. Effects of this drug typically last from 4 to 6 hours. It is used as a recreational drug due to its potent stimulant and euphoric effects and is considered to be addictive, with both physical and psychological withdrawal occurring if its use is discontinued after prolonged or high-dosage administration. It is usually snorted, but can be smoked, injected, or taken orally. Methcathinone is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances and the United States’ Controlled Substances Act, and as such it is not considered to be safe or effective in the treatment, diagnosis, prevention, or cure of any disease, and has no approved medical use. Methcathinone has very strong affinities for the dopamine transporter and the norepinephrine (noradrenaline) transporter. Its affinity for the serotonin transporter is less than that of methamphetamine.
Effects of short term intoxication are similar to those produced by crack cocaine or methamphetamine: stimulation of heart rate and respiration; feeling of euphoria; loss of appetite; increased alertness; pupils may be dilated; body temperature may be slightly elevated. Acute intoxication at higher doses may also result in: insomnia, tremors and muscle twitching, fever, headaches, convulsions, irregular heart rate and respirations, anxiety, restlessness, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions.
The Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel yields a positive result when the concentration of Methcathinone in urine exceeds detective level.