Mephedrone and Alcohol Interactions in Humans
Esther Papaseit, Clara Pérez-mañá, Elizabeth B. de Sousa Fernandes Perna, Eulalia 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 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01588 via DOAJ
Summary
The combination of mephedrone and alcohol resulted in increased cardiovascular effects and a heightened sense of euphoria compared to taking either substance alone. Mephedrone also diminished the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol. These findings suggest that the abuse potential of mephedrone when mixed with alcohol is greater than when mephedrone is used by itself.
Study at a glance
| Design | double-blind, randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled clinical trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | eleven male volunteers |
| Key finding | The combination of mephedrone and alcohol led to increased cardiovascular effects and a greater feeling of euphoria compared to using either substance alone. |
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.