The term cathinones refers to a group of drugs that are loosely related to the natural stimulant found in the khat plant. This plant is indigenous to regions of Africa, and locals chew its leaves for the feelings of happiness, joy and sociability the stimulants in it create. Synthetic cathinones were introduced in the United States in the 2000s as designer drugs. Stronger than natural cathinone, these synthetic versions quickly produced adverse effects and are now banned in the United States.

What Are Cathinones?

Cathinones are a group of synthetic drugs chemically related to a monoamine alkaloid of the same name found in the leaves of the Catha edulis shrub, also known as the khat plant. This plant is predominantly found in North and East Africa but also occurs in South Africa. There are two natural stimulants in the plant, cathinones and cathine; the latter is less potent.

Although synthetic cathinones are chemically similar to natural cathinones, they’re stronger and more concentrated. These stimulants produce a more intense high and are more addictive. They have a pharmacological reaction similar to amphetamines and a comparable degree of lethal toxicity. There are more than 400 illicit synthetic psychoactive cathinones, and they’re found in various forms, including:

• White powder
• Brown powder
• Small white-brown crystals that look like bath salts
• Capsules
• Tablets

Users typically snort, swallow or inject synthetic cathinones. When snorted, the stimulant acts within a few minutes, whereas it takes a bit longer when taken orally. The high produced lasts for 2 to 4 hours.

Common Types and Street Names

Numerous street drugs are derived from cathinones. The most common variants found in the United States include:

• MDPV. Methylenedioxypyrovalerone, also known as monkey dust, is often taken orally, by snorting or by injection.
• MDMS. Methylone, which has similar characteristics to ecstasy (MDMA), is usually taken orally.
• 4-MMC. Mephedrone is available in tablet or crystal form and is injected, snorted or taken orally.
• Dipentylone. Also known as N,N-Dimethylpentylone, this is a cathinone derivative that’s sold as a replacement for ecstasy.
• Eutylone. The designer drug eutylone has to some extent been superseded by dipentylone, but it’s responsible for many drug-related deaths in Florida.

The composition of cathinone products sold illegally in the country varies widely, and users can’t be certain what a particular version contains. The active concentration varies, and the drugs are frequently combined with other substances that may be more potent or increase the toxicity.

Common Street Names

These stimulants were originally called bath salts in an attempt to avoid the restrictions of the Controlled Substances Act. Some illegitimate suppliers still use this name or may also refer to them as plant food, glass cleaner, research chemicals or not for human consumption.

Common street names include:

• Bliss
• Cloud nine
• Energy-1
• Lunar wave
• Meow meow
• Stardust
• White lightning
• Scarface
• Flakka
• Bloom

How Cathinones Affect the Brain and Body

Lab-produced cathinones are a nervous system stimulant. They have similar effects to drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and ecstasy. At low dosages, cathinones cause the user to feel euphoric (happy) and alert. At higher dosages, users may experience hallucinations, confusion and paranoia and be unable to distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t (psychosis).

Medically related side effects include the risk of:

• Hyperthermia. A condition where the body temperature rises above normal, causing confusion and agitation
• Hypertension. High blood pressure
• Kidney failure. Temporary or permanent inability of the kidneys to filter waste
• Rapid heartbeat. Abnormal heart rates that may be life-threatening (tachycardia)
• Ischemia. Poor blood supply to parts of the body, such as the brain
• Neurotoxicity. Damage to nerve cells in the brain

Cathinones and related derivatives are dangerous party drugs, and the intoxication they produce can result in death, especially if they’re used with other substances.

Risks and Signs of Cathinone Use

Cathinones are highly addictive, and users often experience intense cravings, as they must ingest increasingly higher doses to obtain the same effect. Ultimately, this may lead to toxicity and a medical emergency. Withdrawal is difficult and uncomfortable, and addicts may experience psychological symptoms such as shaking, anxiety and depression.

Some of the physical signs of cathinone use include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Nosebleeds
• Blurred vision
• Chest pains
• Insomnia
• Memory loss
• Dilation of pupils

Cathinones aren’t readily detectable during routine blood or urine tests, but special test kits are available.

Legal Status and Public Health Concerns

Synthetic cathinones and their derivatives are illegal in the United States. The most common derivatives are listed as Schedule 1 controlled substances in the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act (SDAPA) passed in 2012. One of the difficulties of controlling these substances is that the law must refer to each derivative specifically. New variants are continually coming into the country, often appearing in Europe first.

The increasing use of cathinones is a serious public health issue. In Florida, there were 917 deaths related to cathinone use in 2023 alone, which was a 73.5% increase over the previous year.

Treatment Options for Cathinone Use

Treatment during withdrawal is primarily symptomatic and supportive, and it’s recommended users enroll in a residential detox and stimulant recovery program.

The first phase is detoxification. During this period, you experience certain withdrawal symptoms, which is why an unsupervised detox isn’t recommended. These include severe cravings, anxiety and headaches, as well as heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat. The symptoms are worse during the first 48 hours and may last up to a week.

To help you through this period, the doctor prescribes IV fluids and sedation. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it may be necessary to monitor kidney and heart function and watch for rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle tissue to break down.

The next phase of treatment involves behavioral therapies, where you’re taught coping and other skills you need to fully recover from cathinone addiction.

Getting Help at Sunlight Recovery

Contact us at Sunlight Recovery if you or someone close needs help dealing with cathinone dependency. We’re fully licensed and accredited to provide residential and outpatient drug treatment. Our confidential detox program can help you or a loved one recover and get back to full health.