ACT - CanTEST Community notice: Dimethylpentylone found in MDMA

Published on September 9, 2022

Source: https://www.facebook.com/CAHMAandTheConnection/photos/pcb.607415737578616/607414584245398/

Emergency: If you are experiencing an emergency, please call an ambulance on 000, or if you need to speak to someone urgently please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

Community notice

Dimethylpentylone found in MDMA sample

One off-white crystalline sample presented as MDMA contained Dimethylpentylone (a cathinone) and low purity MDMA as a secondary component. 

What is Dimethylpentylone? 

A synthetic cathinone that was first detected in Sweden in 2014. It's a powerful stimulant additive, or substitute for MDMA. Increasingly found within drugs sold as ecstasy in the USA. When users are expecting MDMA, the effects of Dimethylpentylone can be surprising. 

Side effects? 

Effects may include a significantly elevated heart rate, an urge to re-dose, elevated body temp, tingling in extremities, anxiety, headaches and insomnia. 

Reducing Harm

Test your stuff - come and see us at CanTEST. CanTEST health and Drug checking service is a free, confidential harm reduction service. CanTEST is located on the Ground Floor of the City Community Health Centre at 1 Moore Street, in Canberra City. CanTEST is open Thursdays from 10am - 1pm and Fridays from 6-9pm. 

Keep calm and cool

Stay protected from the sun, take regular breaks to cool down, stay hydrated (500mL an hour) and eat. 

Start low, go slow.

Try to avoid re-dosing, and if you do - wait 2 hours+ between doses. 

Avoid mixing

Avoid mixing cathinones with other stimulants, it can have a serious effect on your heart. 

If you experience or witness someone experiencing a seizure, have chest pain, a racing heart or extreme ongoing anxiety, call 000 immediately