What are the effects of synthetic cathinones?

Synthetic cathinones (also known as bath salts, flakka, meow meow, research chemicals) generally refer to a large group of new psychoactive substances that come as a pill, capsule or whitish powder or crystal. They are generally stimulants, and there is often little evidence about the long-term effects.

It’s safest not to use synthetic cathinones at all – they are unpredictable, dangerous drugs, and should be avoided.

In 2020, we issued a notification for the cathinone N-Ethylheptedrone, detected in New Zealand for the first time. Other types of cathinones found here in recent years include Alpha PVP, N-Ethylpentylone, MDPV, Eutylone and Methylone.

These have been implicated in a number of hospitalisations around the country, most notably in Christchurch in 2018. There has also been at least one fatal incident linked to cathinones in New Zealand, and over 100 in Europe.

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What effects do synthetic cathinones have on the body?

Synthetic cathinones are often described as less euphoric, and “speedier”, than the drugs they’re meant to mimic. While the short-term and long-term effects are still unknown, the physical and psychological effects are like other stimulants. This can include:

Increased energy and alertness
High blood pressure, rapid heart rate
Elevated mood, sociability
Inability for the body to regulate temperature
Anxiety
Paranoia
Appetite suppression
Compulsive redosing
Loss of consciousness

If they are used, it should be done with a great deal of caution.

Video

When MDMA isn't MDMA

What makes synthetic cathinones so risky?

One big worry with these types of substances is that they’re often sold as MDMA (as a pill, capsule or powder) or even cocaine, which greatly increases the chances of overdose. The video from the the NZ Drug Foundation provides some useful advice on this.

It's especially risky because synthetic cathinones are active in a low dose – for some, this can be as low as 10mg which is a tenth of MDMA. So, if someone takes synthetic cathinones in an MDMA-sized dose, it can have fatal consequences. That’s why KnowYourStuffNZ advises always getting substances checked before taking them. Read more about what that's important here.

Also, sometimes the effects of the drug take longer to kick in (over two hours), meaning that people can take more before they’re aware of the effects, and end up overdoing it. This can lead to unpleasant effects.

While no drug use is the safest drug use, some steps can be taken to help reduce the risks.

Get substances checked – a drug checking service can provide more detailed information about the contents of your drugs, or reagent tests can help indicate whether your substance contains what you were expecting.
Low doses are safer, and it’s best to avoid re-dosing to lower the risk of overdose.
Avoid mixing drugs – the combined effects can be unpredictable and increase risk.
Have a plan – as with all drug use, it’s better to have people around that you trust and who have knowledge of first aid.
Call 111 in an emergency - this includes if someone is unconscious, stops breathing, has a seizure, is extremely agitated for longer than 15 minutes, or has chest pain or breathing difficulties for longer than 5 minutes.

If you have any concerns about your own drinking or drug taking, get in touch with the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681. You’ll be able to speak with a trained counsellor who can provide you with helpful information, insight and support. They’re available 24/7, all calls are free and confidential. You can also chat to the team through their website.