Methylone (bk-MDMA)

Methylone (bk-MDMA)

Methylone, also known as bk-MDMA, is a synthetic stimulant and entactogen drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. It is a psychoactive substance that has similar effects to MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), but with some notable differences.

Chemical Properties

Methylone has the chemical formula C11H13NO3 and a molecular weight of 207.24 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and has a mild, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. Methylone has a low potency compared to other stimulants, but its effects are similar to those of MDMA, including euphoria, increased sociability, and empathy, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Pharmacology

Methylone acts as a releasing agent and reuptake inhibitor of the monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This leads to increased levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which results in the characteristic effects of methylone. The drug also acts on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems, which are involved in the regulation of mood, energy, and attention.

Uses as a Research Chemical

Methylone is used as a research chemical to study the effects of monoamine neurotransmitter release and reuptake inhibition on behavior and mood. It is also used to study the effects of drugs that act on the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. The drug is used in scientific research to study the neurochemistry of mood and to develop new treatments for mood disorders. Methylone has also been used in preclinical studies to evaluate its potential as a neuroprotective agent and to investigate its effects on cognitive function.

Risks and Precautions

Methylone is not approved for medical use and has not been well-studied in humans. There is limited information on the long-term effects of the drug, and it is not known to be safe for human consumption. Like other stimulants, methylone can cause a range of adverse effects, including anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and panic attacks. The drug can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with heart problems. Methylone can also cause dehydration, especially when taken in high doses.