Synthetic Cathinones
The cathinone market in the Netherlands and Germany is currently one of the most unreliable drug markets in Europe. The PK model below applies to mephedrone only — for everything else, the honest answer is we do not have reliable human data.
- Only 3% of samples sold as 3-MMC in the Netherlands actually contain 3-MMC (Trimbos DIMS 2025 — down from 30% in 2023)
- 76% contain 2-MMC instead — different compound, essentially unknown long-term safety profile
- 5% contain NEP (N-Ethylnorpentedron) — significantly more potent, longer duration, overdose risk when dosed like 3-MMC
- Berlin harm reduction services actively warn about NEP in samples sold as 3-MMC and 4-MMC
- Drug checking is not optional here — it is the only way to know what you actually have
Mephedrone (4-MMC) model
Curve models mephedrone only. t½ ~2.5h (range 1.5–3.6h). Wide uncertainty band reflects limited human data.
Dose schedule (mephedrone model)
What is actually in the NL/DE market
The following compounds are what drug checking services actually find — not what products are sold as.
4-MMC (Mephedrone)
HistoricalAlso known as: meow meow, 4-methylmethcathinone
The original cathinone. Now rarely found in NL/DE market — mostly replaced by 2-MMC and 3-MMC (which themselves are rarely what they claim to be). Has the most human PK data of any cathinone.
3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone)
Common label — rarely genuineAlso known as: poes, miauw, 3M
Almost never what it claims to be. Per Trimbos DIMS 2025, only 3% of samples sold as 3-MMC actually contain 3-MMC. You are almost certainly buying 2-MMC or NEP.
2-MMC (2-methylmethcathinone)
Most common actual substanceAlso known as: the actual content of most "3-MMC"
Currently the most common substance found in samples sold as 3-MMC in the Netherlands (76% of "3-MMC" samples per Trimbos 2025). No published human PK data. Effects described as similar to 3-MMC but possibly more stimulant-dominant.
NEP (N-Ethylpentedrone / N-Ethylnorpentedron)
⚠ Dangerous adulterantAlso known as: N-ethylnorpentedrone, α-PEP
Increasingly found in samples sold as 3-MMC — 5% of "3-MMC" samples in NL (Trimbos 2025), actively warned about in Berlin (Sidekicks). Significantly more potent than 2-MMC or 3-MMC. Dosing based on 3-MMC experience leads to overdose.
What was found in samples sold as "3-MMC" — per tested unit
Source: Trimbos DIMS Jaarbericht 2025 — 2025
Each bar shows the % of individually tested samples that contained this substance. A single unit may contain only one of these — results vary per sample.
Dangerous combinations
Same as amphetamines and MDMA — massive monoamine release combined with MAOI is potentially fatal. Never combine.
Both release serotonin. Combined serotonergic load substantially increases serotonin syndrome risk and neurotoxicity. Cardiovascular strain is additive to multiplicative.
Additive cardiovascular strain. Combined heart rate and blood pressure elevation. Hyperthermia risk substantially increased.
Stimulant masks intoxication, leading to alcohol overconsumption. Dehydration risk. Cardiovascular strain from both substances.
Both have dissociative and cardiovascular effects. Combined CNS depression risk. Given the unreliable nature of cathinone market content, combining with ketamine adds a layer of unpredictability about what is actually interacting.
Commonly used to manage cathinone comedown. Risk of dependence on both substances. Respiratory depression if combined with alcohol or opioids. Not recommended but if used, avoid combining with other CNS depressants.
Given that 97% of "3-MMC" is not 3-MMC, any interaction calculation is meaningless without knowing your actual substance. Drug checking is not optional — it is the only way to have any idea what you are taking.