The Dope Doula

Substance Information Sheet

METHCATHINONE | CAT | KHAT | KITTY | NOSE BEER

Cat Drug Information
N-monomethyl cathinone, commonly called "Cat" or "Khat" in South Africa's club and festival scene, is a novel stimulant and entactogen belonging to the cathinone class. Mephedrone, a well-known member of this group, is classified as a substituted cathinone and is chemically related to the active compound found in the khat plant (Catha edulis). It is believed to exert its effects by promoting the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.

Class Membership

Psychoactive class - Stimulant

Chemical class - Monoamine Alkaloid

understanding cat drug safety

Cat harm reduction advice is partly based on what we know of related drugs like amphetamines and MDMA.

Taking it with other drugs increases the risks

Deaths related to mephedrone usually involve large amounts of other stimulants such as cocaine, or depressants such as alcohol.

You may overheat when taking the drug

Mephedrone reportedly causes increases in body temperature. If you are dancing also you may overheat and become dehydrated. It is therefore a good idea to take regular breaks from dancing and drink moderate amounts of water.

Tolerance is a bad sign

As with most drugs, becoming tolerant to its effects is a sign that your brain chemistry is being changed by the drug and that you are at high risk of dependence.

Cat drug safety and harm reduction - drug interactions

SEROTONIN SYNDROME RISK

Combining certain substances with others can lead to dangerously high serotonin levels, potentially causing serotonin syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if untreated.

MAOIs: Including substances like banisteriopsis caapi, Syrian rue, phenelzine, selegiline, and moclobemide.

Serotonin Releasers: Such as MDMA, 4-FA, methamphetamine, methylone, and αMT.

SSRIs: Including medications like citalopram and sertraline.

SNRIs: Such as tramadol and venlafaxine.

5-HTP: A precursor to serotonin.

Extreme caution should be exercised when combining these substances to avoid the risk of serotonin syndrome.

other stimulants

Amphetamines, Cocaine, Caffeine:

Combining methcathinone with other stimulants can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and even stroke or heart attack. The combined stimulant effect can also lead to severe anxiety, agitation, and paranoia.

depressants

Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Opioids:

Using depressants alongside methcathinone can mask the effects of one another, leading to higher consumption of either substance. This can increase the risk of overdose, particularly with depressants like opioids and alcohol, which can cause respiratory depression.

anti-depressants

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

There is a high risk of severe hypertensive reactions when methcathinone is combined with MAOIs. This combination can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome, characterized by high fever, agitation, increased reflexes, tremors, sweating, dilated pupils, and diarrhoea.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

These can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with methcathinone due to the additive effects on serotonin levels in the brain. 4. **Antihypertensive Medications:**

Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors

The stimulant effects of methcathinone can counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of these medications, making it more difficult to manage hypertension.

antipsychotic medications

Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics:*

Combining methcathinone with antipsychotics can lead to unpredictable effects on mood and behavior. The stimulant can potentially exacerbate psychotic symptoms or reduce the efficacy of the antipsychotic treatment.

effective harm reduction strategies

Avoid Mixing Substances:

To reduce the risk of harmful interactions, it is generally safest to avoid mixing methcathinone with other substances.

Monitor for Symptoms:

Be aware of symptoms of potential drug interactions, such as extreme changes in heart rate, blood pressure, mood, or mental state.

Seek Medical Advice: Individuals using methcathinone should consult healthcare providers, especially if they are taking prescription medications, to understand potential risks and receive appropriate guidance. By being aware of these interactions and taking steps to mitigate risks, individuals can better protect their health and safety.

NOTICE

WARNING

The Dope Doula provides information solely for educational and harm reduction purposes. We do not promote, sell, or facilitate the sale of illegal substances on this website. It is important to note that we do not endorse or encourage the use of illegal compounds. Our aim is to provide accurate and balanced information to promote safety, health, and responsible decision-making.

While we acknowledge that substance use may occur despite legal prohibitions, we firmly advocate for personal well-being and safety. Our content is designed to raise awareness about potential risks and provide harm-reduction strategies for individuals who choose to use substances. We emphasize the importance of informed choices, consent, and responsible behaviour.

Many interactions described here are subjective descriptions, so what is shown here is only an indication on how certain combinations can affect you and how safe they are. Many times those effects are dependent on dose (of each substance), route of administration, timeline of administration, set and setting, your mood, your physical health, your mental health and many other factors.

CAT | methcathinone | khat

Substance Information Sheet

METHCATHINONE | CAT | KHAT | KITTY | NOSE BEER

Class Membership

understanding cat drug safety

Cat drug safety and harm reduction - drug interactions

Special Thanks to

NOTICE

WARNING

CAT | methcathinone | khat

Substance Information Sheet

METHCATHINONE | CAT | KHAT | KITTY | NOSE BEER

Class Membership

understanding cat drug safety

Cat drug safety and harm reduction - drug interactions

Special Thanks to

NOTICE

WARNING

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