Safety and cognitive pharmacodynamics following dose escalations with 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC): a first in human, designer drug study.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – June 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) shows promise as a well-tolerated compound at low to moderate doses, with a study involving 14 participants revealing significant effects. At doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg, users experienced increased heart rate and blood pressure, alongside enhanced neurocognitive performance in areas like processing speed and memory. While mild dissociative effects and decreased appetite were noted, impulse control remained unaffected. Participants expressed transient feelings of wanting and liking for the drug, suggesting potential recreational appeal without immediate severe health risks at lower doses.
Abstract
3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) is a designer drug that belongs to the group of synthetic cathinones. The compound has been scheduled in many jurisdictions because of public health concerns associated with excessive use. To date, there are no clinical studies that have evaluated the risk profile of 3-MMC in the recreational range of low to moderate doses. The current, first-in-human study (N = 14) assessed the impact of three escalating doses of 3-MMC (25, 50 and 100 mg) on vital signs, neurocognitive function, state of consciousness, appetite and drug desire, in a cross-over, placebo-controlled trial. A battery of neurocognitive tests and questionnaires as well as measures of vital signs were repeatedly administered up to 5 h after dosing. Overall, 3-MMC caused dose-dependent increases in heart rate and blood pressure, though not of clinical significance, and feelings of subjective high. Additionally, 3-MMC induced dose-related enhancement of task performance across several neurocognitive domains, including processing speed, cognitive flexibility, psychomotor function, attention and memory. Impulse control was not affected by 3-MMC. Participants also reported mild increases in dissociative and psychedelic effects, decreased appetite, and gave greater ratings of liking and wanting for 3-MMC that were transient over time. Overall, the cardiovascular, psychostimulant and psychotomimetic profile of 3-MMC appears consistent with that of compounds structurally related to amphetamine. It is concluded that low to moderate doses of 3-MMC were well tolerated and safe and that potential health risks might only occur at high or excessive doses of 3-MMC.