Desyrel tablets

What it does

mCPP is used illicitly primarily for its stimulant properties. However, user reports are mixed as to the desirability of mCPP effects, with some indicating pleasant intoxication states and others predominantly detailing headaches, accompanied by feelings of panic and negative mood after ingestion of doses around 25mg. In laboratory administration studies, individuals with prior experience of the drug ecstasy reported that mCPP in doses from 17.5 to 52.5 mg/70kg body weight produced MDMA (ecstasy)-like stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. However, unlike MDMA, no increase in blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Other studies have confirmed these findings in other groups of ecstasy user and cocaine dependent individuals.

Trazodone is prescribed in dose regimes totalling 50 – 600mg p.o. Informal reports of ingestion of lower doses (~50mg) detail hypnotic effects (‘tiredness’), with no indication of a positive intoxication state.

Negative effects

mCPP produces anxiogenic effects (increased anxiety) in a variety of animal models. Serotonergic drugs, such as mCPP, have been shown to cause panic attacks in patients with panic disorder. Although there is a dose-dependent and transient increase in anxious symptomatology in the laboratory, this usually resolves within the first hour of administration. In case reports, panic attacks tend to occur within the first hour after ingestion.

Negative effects associated with the clinical use of trazodone include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, postural hypotension (which may lead to fainting), priapism (painful erection). The most common manifestation of overdose is CNS depression. Lethargy, drowsiness, and ataxia are the most frequent symptoms. Coma is rare, but can be prolonged. Although seizures and mild cardiovascular abnormalities have been described, these are relatively rare.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Alcohol should be avoided completely: serious, even fatal interactions may occur
2. SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, MDMA/ecstasy) or other antidepressants
3. MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days)
4. Antihypertensive drugs and some phenothiazines – can cause dangerously low blood pressure
5. Phenytoin, tramadol, ritonavir – taking any of these may lead to drug toxicity
6. Benzodiazepines, opioids, and tranquilizers – these may have additive effects
7. Warfarin and clonidine – the effectiveness of these drugs may decrease
8. Barbiturates

Treatment of adverse reactions

As mCPP is a research chemical there is no specific guidance for treatment of overdose or adverse reaction. Management should, therefore, be symptomatic and supportive. Treatment of anxiety or panic attack should be through supportive therapy, sedation might be necessary in more severe cases. Any patient suspected of having taken an overdose should be admitted to hospital as soon as possible and the stomach emptied by gastric lavage. Forced diuresis may be useful in facilitating elimination of the drug.

Legal status

mCPP and Trazadone are not listed under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, Denmark banned unauthorized possession of mCPP in December 2005, after reports of its appearance in the illicit market.

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