Substance info: Methylone

Methylone, also known as "M1", 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone, bk-MDMA, and in the UK as Arlone, is an entactogen and stimulant of the phenethylamine, amphetamine, and cathinone classes. It was originally patented by Peyton Jacob and Alexander Shulgin in 1996 as an antidepressant.The more intuitive abbreviation MDMC unfortunately can not be used for this chemical, since it had already been given to another earlier Shulgin creation, 3,4-ethylenedioxymethamphetamine. Methylone is a close structural analogue of MDMA, differing by the addition of a β-ketone group.

Dose

Methylone dosages are not well documented, as this molecule is relatively uncommon and has only a short history of human use. Dosages vary considerably between individuals, with some users reporting that they "never" exceed 100 mg, while others report "barely reaching" threshold at 200 mg.

A dose between 60-150mg is commonly considered as light, but some respondents say that increasing dose with methylone beyond 100-180 mg causes heavily increased physical effects.

Insufflated dosages appear to be slightly lower than oral dosages.

Effects

Methylone effects are similar to, but not identical, to those of MDMA.  Restlessness, increased sensitivity to music and sounds, euphoria, empathy and an increase in sociability are commonly reported.

Onset

The effects start to be noticeable in about 20-60 minutes after intake, plus another 30-45 minutes for the coming up.

Duration

The total duration may vary from 3 to 5 hours, including a plateau phase of about 60-90 minutes and a comedown phase lasting 1 to 2 hours. After effects may last from 1-6 hours after consumption.

Positive

-Extreme mood lift
-Feeling of well-being
-Feelings of love and empathy
-Ego softening
-Forgiveness
-Feeling of closeness to others
-Increased willingness to communicate
-Increased appreciation of music
-Increases awareness of senses (eating, drinking, smell, touching things)
-Urge to hug and kiss people
-Sensation that one's current activities are, in the moment, perfect

Neutral

-General change in consciousness (as with most psychoactives)
-Pupil dilation
-Difficulty focusing, restlessness
-Change in perception of time
-Slight increase in body temperature
-Slight increase in heart rate

Negative

(Please note that negative side effects increase with higher doses.)

-Muscle tension and aching
-Jaw tension
-Increased perspiration
-Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting
-Dizziness, confusion
-Over-awareness & over-sensitization to music and noise
-Paranoia, fear
-Unwanted life-changing spiritual experiences
-Possible difficulty integrating experiences
-Heart racing, heart palpitations

Risks

Some have reported worrying heart rate and blood pressure increases at doses over 180-200 mg. While some people report stimulation, there are also reports of seemingly paradoxical sedation effects.A few methylone users have reported chest pains and heart palpitations during and after use, especially with repeated or high doses.

Methylone is marked as a research chemical and should be considered experimental. Although some people are willing to ingest it for its effects, it is not reasonable to assume that methylone is in any way 'safe' to use recreationally. Although all psychoactive use involves risk, this class of chemicals has undergone virtually no human or animal toxicity studies and there is little to no data on possible long term problems, addiction potential, allergic reactions, or acute overdoses.

It is important to remember that reactions to psychoactives vary dramatically from person to person. Extrapolating anything from any single person's experience with a chemical is inappropriate and may result in dangerous and possibly fatal adverse reactions. Some reports of use may include extremely glowing "wow"-type experiences. Reports of this nature should not be misunderstood to suggest that they are common or typical of those who ingest the substance, or that the effects will be pleasant or desirable.

Additionally, the reliability of many sources of these products can be questionable. Mislabeling, misidentification, issues of purity, adulteration, and misrepresentation (substitution) are unfortunately a common problem with research chemicals. Consider carefully before choosing to use these substances.