The effects and toxicity of cathinones from the users' perspectives: A qualitative study.
Sulaf Assi, Nargilya Gulyamova, Paul Kneller, David Osselton
Human psychopharmacology May 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2610 via PubMed
Summary
An analysis of 303 internet discussion forum threads reveals three main themes about cathinone use, effects, and toxicity. Users reported various intake methods depending on the derivative (mephedrone, 3-methylmethcathinone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and routes (eyeballing, insufflation, smoking, intravenous, oral, rectal, sublingual), along with multidrug use and purity concerns. Positive effects included increased energy, euphoria, and empathogenic feelings. Toxic effects affected the nervous system (anxiety, hallucinations, nervousness, paranoia), cardiovascular system (angina, myocardial infarction, tachycardia), skin (discolouration, itching, allergy), and renal system (difficulty urinating). Drug-drug interactions with stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens were also reported. Forums offer useful safety information.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative content analysis of internet forum threads Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 303 |
| Population | Internet forum discussions about cathinone use |
| Keywords | Cathinones Content analysis Effects Novel psychoactive substances Toxicity |
| Citations | 35 |
| Key finding | Users' perspectives on cathinones reveal three themes: intake modalities, positive effects (energy, euphoria, empathogenic), and toxic effects across multiple organ systems. |
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the users' perspectives regarding the effects and toxicity of cathinones. A systematic search of Internet discussion forums yielded 303 threads relevant to the research objectives. The threads were analysed by conventional content analysis where concepts were developed from codes and themes. The study identified 3 main themes in relation to cathinone use, effects, and toxicity. The first theme considered the modalities of intake of cathinones in relation to the derivative taken (mainly mephedrone, 3-methylmethcathinone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone), route of administration (eyeballing, insufflation, smoking, intravenous, oral, rectal, and sublingual), multidrug use, and purity of the cathinone derivative. The second theme characterised the main effects of cathinones, that is, increased energy, euphoria, and empathogenic. Toxic effects were reported regarding the nervous system (anxiety, hallucinations, nervousness, and paranoia), cardiovascular system (angina, myocardial infarction, and tachycardia), skin (discolouration, itching, and allergy), and renal system (difficulty in urination). Drug-drug interactions were also reported including multiple drug use between cathinones, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. The Internet discussion forums provide useful sources of information regarding the effects and toxicity of cathinones, which can be taken into account when assessing the safety of drugs.