4-Chloromethcathinone
4-Chloromethcathinone (also known as 4-CMC and Clephedrone) is a stimulant drug of the cathinone class that has been sold online as a designer drug.[1][2] 4-CMC produces similar effects to mephedrone, and has been sold as an alternative in countries where mephedrone was scheduled. Adverse effectsShort-term4-CMC produces similar side effects to mephedrone, including: increased blood pressure, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and anxiety.[3] NeurotoxicityIts chemical structure closely resembles para-chloromethamphetamine, raising concerns about its potential to readily induce cell death of serotoninergic neurons. However, no neurotoxicity of this kind has been found, but studies involving mice do indicate that it is neurotoxic through other mechanisms. 4-CMC is cytotoxic and induces oxidative stress.[4] PharmacologyPharmacodynamicsSimilar to mephedrone, 4-CMC mainly acts as a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine releasing agent (SNDRA), and partially as a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI) with similar potency.[3]
LegalityClephedrone is an Anlage I controlled drug in Germany. Sweden's public health agency suggested classifying 4-Chloromethcathinone (klefedron) as illegal narcotic on June 1, 2015.[5] As of October 2015 4-CMC is a controlled substance in China.[6] 4-CMC is considered a Schedule 1 substance in Virginia.[7] In December 2019, the UNODC announced scheduling recommendations placing 4-CMC into Schedule II.[8] See also
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