The novel psychoactive substance 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC or metaphedrone): A review

Abstract

3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC or metaphedrone) is a synthetic cathinone, recently introduced in the market of the new psychoactive substances (NPS), initially to replace mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone or 4-MMC), and rapidly widespread among drug users. 3-Methylmethcathinone is legally controlled in many countries, but is still easily available for purchase from websites, and frequently found in recreational settings. Most toxicological data on this drug come from human case reports of intoxications. Thus, further investigation on their pharmacological and toxicological properties is necessary to evaluate its potential harmful effects. The present work provides a review on the available data about 3-MMC legal status, chemistry, patterns of use, prevalence, biological effects, toxicokinetics, toxicity and factors affecting stimulant/toxicological effects.

Keywords: 3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC); Metaphedrone; New psychoactive substance (NPS); Synthetic cathinone; Toxicity; Toxicokinetics.