Pharmacological effects of methylone and MDMA in humans
Frontiers in Pharmacology February 17, 2023 Lourdes Poyatos, Clara Pérez‐mañá, Olga Hladun et al. 26 citations
Methylone, a common synthetic cathinone used as a substitute for MDMA, produces similar acute effects in humans. In a controlled trial with 17 experienced psychostimulant users, a single 200 mg oral dose of methylone increased blood pressure and heart rate and induced pleasurable effects including stimulation, euphoria, wellbeing, enhanced empathy, and altered perception. Methylone's effect profile resembled MDMA's but with a faster onset and earlier disappearance of subjective effects. The findings suggest methylone's abuse potential is comparable to that of MDMA in humans.