Mephedrone and Alcohol Interactions in Humans
Esther Papaseit, Clara Pérez-mañá, Elizabeth B. de Sousa Fernandes Perna, Eulàlia Olesti, Julian Mateus, Kim Pc Kuypers, Eef L. Theunissen, Francina Fonseca, Marta Torrens, Jan G. Ramaekers, Rafael de la Torre, Magí Farré
Frontiers in Pharmacology January 28, 2020 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01588 via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractCombining mephedrone with alcohol amplifies cardiovascular effects and intensifies euphoria and well-being compared to either drug alone, while mephedrone reduces the sedative effects of alcohol. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 11 male volunteers, the combination increased blood pressure, heart rate, and subjective feelings of euphoria. Mephedrone alone and alcohol alone were also tested. The results suggest that the abuse liability of mephedrone is greater when taken with alcohol, similar to other psychostimulants like amphetamines and MDMA.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Placebo-controlled Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Male volunteers |
| Interventions | Mephedrone Alcohol |
| Dose | 200 mg of mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of alcohol |
| Keywords | 4-methylmethcathinone mephedrone New psychoactive substance Alcohol ethanol Interaction Pharmacologic effects |
| Citations | 27 |
| Registration | NCT02294266 |
| Key finding | The combination of mephedrone and alcohol increased cardiovascular effects and induced a more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being compared to either drug alone, with mephedrone reducing alcohol's sedative effects. |
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-MMC, mephedrone) is a synthetic cathinone derivative included in the class of new psychoactive substances. It is commonly used simultaneously with alcohol (ethanol). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interactions on subjective, cardiovascular and hormone effects and pharmacokinetics between mephedrone and alcohol in humans. Eleven male volunteers participated as outpatients in four experimental sessions in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received a single oral dose of 200 mg of mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of alcohol (combination condition); 200 mg of mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (mephedrone condition); placebo mephedrone plus 0.8 g/kg of ethanol (alcohol condition); and placebo mephedrone plus placebo alcohol (placebo condition). Outcome variables included physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and pupil diameter), psychomotor (Maddox wing), subjective (visual analogue scales, Addiction Research Center Inventory 49 item short form, and Valoración de los Efectos Subjetivos de Sustancias con Potencial de Abuso questionnaire), and pharmacokinetic parameters (mephedrone and ethanol concentrations). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02294266. The mephedrone and alcohol combination produced an increase in the cardiovascular effects of mephedrone and induced a more intense feeling of euphoria and well-being in comparison to the two drugs alone. Mephedrone reduced the sedative effects produced by alcohol. These results are similar to those obtained when other psychostimulants such as amphetamines and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are combined simultaneously with alcohol. The abuse liability of mephedrone combined with alcohol is greater than that induced by mephedrone alone.