Short answer: Synthetic cathinones are lab-made stimulants related to khat, sold as 'bath salts', 'flakka', or disguised as molly or other drugs. Most are Schedule I. They can cause extreme agitation, paranoia, dangerous overheating, kidney failure, and death.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Synthetic cathinones is a synthetic stimulants related to cathinone and a Schedule I controlled substance in the US.
- Medical use: none accepted in the US.
- Timing: effects start in 15 to 45 minutes and last 2 to 6 hours (varies by chemical).
- Most dangerous mix: MAO inhibitors and serotonergic antidepressants, which can cause serotonin syndrome or blood pressure crisis.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: High.
- Legal route: none. Schedule I substances cannot be prescribed.
What is synthetic cathinones?
Synthetic cathinones were developed to mimic amphetamine, cocaine, or MDMA while dodging drug laws. Packages were labelled 'not for human consumption' and sold in shops and online.
Effects resemble other stimulants: euphoria, energy, talkativeness, and increased sex drive, with a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and jaw clenching. Many users redose repeatedly because effects are short.
Quick facts
| Fact | Synthetic cathinones |
|---|---|
| Examples | Mephedrone, MDPV, methylone, alpha-PVP (flakka), N-ethylpentylone, eutylone |
| Drug class | Synthetic stimulants; cathinone derivatives |
| US legal status | Many named compounds Schedule I; others treated as analogues |
| Sold as | Bath salts, plant food, research chemicals, or as fake MDMA (molly) |
| Forms | White or brown crystals or powder; pills |
| Onset | 15 to 45 minutes |
| Federal law | Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 and later DEA orders |
How long does synthetic cathinones last?
- Starts working: 15 to 45 minutes
- Effects last: 2 to 6 hours (varies by chemical)
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of synthetic cathinones?
Excited delirium: extreme agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior, with dangerous overheating.
Body damage: muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and seizures.
Fentanyl contamination: like other street stimulants, they may contain opioids.
Warning: Overheating can kill. Someone who is extremely agitated, very hot, or confused needs emergency care. Do not restrain them face-down.
What should you never mix with synthetic cathinones?
| Combined with | What happens | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Other stimulants | Heart strain, overheating, seizures | High risk |
| MAO inhibitors and serotonergic antidepressants | Serotonin syndrome or blood pressure crisis | Dangerous |
| Alcohol | Masked intoxication; dehydration | High risk |
| Opioids (contamination) | Overdose when the stimulant wears off | Dangerous |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a synthetic cathinones overdose, and what should you do?
Overdose causes chest pain, extreme agitation, very high body temperature, seizures, muscle breakdown, kidney failure, and cardiac arrest.
If someone may be overdosing
- Call 911 for chest pain, a seizure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, weakness on one side, slurred speech), a very high body temperature, or if the person collapses.
- Move them somewhere cool and calm, loosen tight clothing, and cool the skin with water. Do not try to hold them down.
- If they become unresponsive or their breathing slows, give naloxone. Street stimulants are often contaminated with fentanyl.
- For advice when the person is awake and stable, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Are synthetic cathinones addictive?
Yes. They can cause strong cravings and compulsive use. Withdrawal is mainly psychological.
- Days 1 to 3CrashExhaustion, depression, anxiety, and intense cravings.
- Weeks 1 to 2WithdrawalLow mood, poor sleep, and paranoia may persist.
- Weeks to monthsRecoveryCravings ease with support.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full synthetic cathinones withdrawal guide.
Is synthetic cathinones legal?
The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 placed mephedrone and MDPV in Schedule I, and the DEA has since scheduled many more cathinones. Unlisted ones sold for human consumption can be prosecuted as analogues of controlled substances.
- Possession: under federal law, a first conviction for possessing any controlled substance without a valid prescription can bring up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class B (cathinone derivatives generically controlled since 2010) |
| China | Many cathinones controlled |
| International | Mephedrone, MDPV, methylone, alpha-PVP, and others in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention |
Frequently asked questions about synthetic cathinones
What are bath salts?
A street name for synthetic cathinones, stimulants unrelated to real bathing products.
What is flakka?
Alpha-PVP, a potent synthetic cathinone linked to severe agitation and overheating.
Can molly contain bath salts?
Yes. Drug checking often finds cathinones in pills and powders sold as MDMA.
Do bath salts make people violent?
They can cause paranoia, hallucinations, and agitation that lead to violent or dangerous behavior.
Are bath salts legal?
No. Most are Schedule I, and others are treated as analogues.
Sources
- Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts"), National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Controlled Substance Schedules, DEA Diversion Control Division.
- 21 U.S.C. 844, Penalties for simple possession, Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School.
- National Helpline, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- FindTreatment.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- International drug control conventions, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses Synthetic cathinones profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
