Amphetamine Mephedrone Red Discussion: Amphetamine and Mephedrone

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Amphetamine and Mephedrone​

Amphetamines are powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that work by increasing the levels of key neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, attention, motivation, and the body's "fight-or-flight" response.

Amphetamines increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic neurons. This is achieved by:

1. Entering the neuron: Amphetamines enter neurons via dopamine and norepinephrine transporters (DAT and NET).
2. Increasing cytoplasmic neurotransmitter levels: Once inside, they disrupt the storage of dopamine and norepinephrine by interacting with vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). This leads to an excess of these neurotransmitters in the cytoplasm.
3. Reversing transporters: Amphetamines then cause the DAT and NET to work in reverse, pumping dopamine and norepinephrine out of the neuron into the synaptic cleft.

Besides promoting neurotransmitter release, amphetamines also block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine by inhibiting the function of DAT and NET. This prolongs the presence of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, intensifying their effects on postsynaptic neurons. Amphetamines also have mild monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effects, which decreases the breakdown of monoamines (like dopamine and norepinephrine), further enhancing their action.


Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone or "meow meow") is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the cathinone class of drugs, which are chemically similar to amphetamines. It shares some similarities with both MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine in terms of its effects on the brain. Mephedrone is known for producing feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened sensory perception, but it also carries significant risks, including addiction and neurotoxicity.

Mephedrone stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin from presynaptic neurons. Once inside the neuron, it interacts with vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT2), which are responsible for loading dopamine and serotonin into storage vesicles. This results in an overflow of these neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Like amphetamines, mephedrone blocks the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine by inhibiting their respective transporters (DAT, SERT, and NET). This action prolongs the presence of these neurotransmitters in the synapse, amplifying their effects on mood, reward, and arousal.

Mephedrone can also reverse the normal function of dopamine and serotonin transporters, causing them to pump the neurotransmitters out of the neuron rather than back in. This leads to a massive increase in extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin, intensifying the drug’s psychoactive effects.


Combining amphetamine and mephedrone, both potent stimulants, poses significant risks due to their synergistic effects on the central nervous system.

1. Enhanced Euphoria and Stimulation: Both amphetamine and mephedrone increase dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in the brain, leading to heightened euphoria, energy, and sociability. Users often report a stronger, faster onset of effects compared to taking either drug alone.
2. Increased Cardiovascular Stress: Both substances are known to significantly elevate heart rate and blood pressure. Combining them can lead to extreme cardiovascular stress, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, heart attack, and stroke. There’s also an increased risk of hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), especially during physical activity, which can be life-threatening.
3. Agitation and Anxiety: Combining these stimulants can intensify anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. This is due to overstimulation of the brain's reward and stress circuits. As the high wears off, users may experience severe agitation and paranoia.
4. Impaired Judgment and Risky Behavior: The combination can impair judgment, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors, such as unsafe sex or dangerous physical activities. This is particularly concerning in party or "chemsex" contexts.
5. Heightened Risk of Neurotoxicity: Mephedrone is associated with neurotoxic effects, particularly in serotonin neurons. When combined with amphetamines, this neurotoxicity may be amplified, potentially leading to long-term damage to cognitive functions such as memory and mood regulation.
6. Potential for Seizures: Both drugs lower the seizure threshold, meaning combining them can increase the risk of seizures, especially in individuals prone to epileptic episodes.
7. Psychiatric Effects: The combination is associated with a higher risk of psychosis, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. Amphetamine-induced psychosis is well-documented, and adding mephedrone could exacerbate these symptoms.

In conclusion, while some users may seek the enhanced euphoria and stimulation from this combination, the physical and mental health risks are severe, ranging from rapid and fatal cardiovascular complications to long-term neurotoxicity.

All things considered, we recommend avoiding this combination under any conditions.