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3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone, metaphedrone) is a synthetic cathinone and positional isomer of mephedrone that emerged as a replacement after 4-MMC was banned. It acts as a monoamine transporter substrate and releaser with predominantly dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity, producing sympathomimetic stimulation that is somewhat more pronounced and less strongly entactogenic than mephedrone, and it is associated with compulsive redosing. Clinical series describe mostly moderate poisonings featuring tachycardia, hypertension, and agitation, with severe cardiovascular events and fatalities reported, frequently in polydrug settings. Preclinical studies show hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy at human-relevant concentrations, and its metabolism proceeds through N-demethylation, keto-reduction, and hydroxylation.
- Stimulation with some entactogenic warmth
- Euphoria and sociability
- Increased energy
- Dopamine-noradrenaline releasing cathinone stimulant
- Strong compulsion to redose
- Cardiovascular strain
- Jaw clenching and sweating
- Comedown anxiety and low mood
Mechanism
3-MMC acts as a releasing agent and at the , , and transporters; moving the ring methyl to the meta position shifts the balance somewhat toward catecholamine (dopamine and norepinephrine) release relative to serotonin, making it feel a touch more stimulant than 4-MMC. It is rapidly metabolized, contributing to the short, redose-prone effect.
receptor fingerprint
Releaser
transporterReleaser
transporterReleaser
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
It produces the usual cathinone strain of fast heart rate, high blood pressure, jaw clenching, and sweating, plus a strong urge to redose that fuels binges and sleep loss. Its serotonin release means it should not be mixed with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs because of serotonin-toxicity risk. Combining with other stimulants worsens cardiovascular and overheating risk. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
The compulsive redosing is the whole story here, and it drags cardiovascular strain and sleep loss along with it. Preclinical work shows liver toxicity at human-relevant concentrations, and severe cardiovascular events and fatalities have been reported. Not a sensible pick for anyone.
Resources
No suppliers are provided for compounds like this. This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2018first citedPharmacological profile of mephedrone analogs and related new psychoactive substances
- 2026most recentToxicological and forensic aspects of a fatal 3-methylmethcathinone intoxication: A case report.
- 1.Metaphedrone (3-Methylmethcathinone): Pharmacological, Clinical, and Toxicological Profile
- 2.Pharmacological profile of mephedrone analogs and related new psychoactive substances
- 3.The novel psychoactive substance 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC or metaphedrone): A review.
- 4.3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) Poisonings: Acute Clinical Toxicity and Time Trend Between 2013 and 2021 in the Netherlands.
- 5.The new psychoactive substance 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC or metaphedrone) induces oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in primary rat hepatocytes at human-relevant concentrations.
- 6.In vitro biotransformation of 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) through incubation with human liver microsomes and cytosol and application to in vivo samples.
- 7.Toxicological and forensic aspects of a fatal 3-methylmethcathinone intoxication: A case report.
- 8.Effects of acute metaphedrone exposure on the development, behaviour, and DNA integrity of zebrafish (Danio rerio).
8 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
How is 3-MMC different from mephedrone?
It is a positional isomer with the ring methyl moved to the 3 position; it feels a bit more stimulant and slightly less entactogenic.
Why did it become common?
It emerged as a near-identical replacement once mephedrone (4-MMC) was made illegal in many places.
Is redosing a problem?
Yes, like mephedrone the short, pleasant effect drives strong cravings to redose and long binges.
Adverse effects
- Strong compulsion to redose
- Cardiovascular strain
- Jaw clenching and sweating
- Comedown anxiety and low mood