Drugs A-Z

Naphyrone AKA NRG-1, energy 1, rave

N.B. This information has been collated from a variety of sources including expert users from UK and Europe, information obtained from users at outreach events, surveys and questionnaires and information from users via relevant websites and drug forums.

This information is to be used as a rough guide only and Crew cannot vouch that all information is factual as little is known about the substance and much of the information has been obtained from service users reports.

Appearance

Most commonly sold in Scotland in white powder or crystal form.

Background

Naphyrone (often sold as NRG‐1) is often marketed as a mephedrone replacement. It is structurally similar and has effects similar to other research chemicals such as MDPV and mepehdrone. Recent information from Scottish Police and various independent analysis have suggested some test samples of NRG‐1 have proved to contain recently banned substance MDPV which has a lower dosage range than Naphyrone although similar in effects. Analysis has also showed that NRG‐1 has contained other research chemicals such as Mepehdrone and Butylone which were also recently controlled under misuse of drugs act.

Price

Internet prices for powder form are £10‐20 depending on quantity purchased and vendor.

Route of consumption:

• Nasal (snorted with straw or banknote). This is the most common administration route
• Oral ("dabbed" by finger, powder wrapped in cigarette paper and "bombed", ingested in capsule or pill form, diluted in water or juice drink)
• Inserted in eye (eyeballed) -this is strongly discouraged by users
• Other similar research chemicals can also be taken rectally diluted in water by using a syringe, although this is fairly uncommon
• Injecting‐ this is strongly discouraged due to increased potential for vein damage due to vasoconstriction and its caustic nature, OD risk, addictive potential and many other possible unknown risks

Dosage

• Light: 10mg - 20mg
• Typical: 20mg ‐ 30mg
• Strong: 30mg‐50mg

Onset of effects: 5‐10 min (nasal), 30mins‐1 hour (oral)

Duration of effects: 30mins‐ 2 hours (nasal), up to 4 hours (oral)

Patterns of use

It is common for users to re‐dose after 30mins‐1 hour as many report the main effects tend to plateau at this time.

Effects on brain chemistry

According to the ACMD report and other sources naphyrone acts as a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor affecting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Triple uptake inhibitors combine properties which have psychostimulant effects and empathogenic profiles.

Physical effects

Rushes, changes in body temperature, increased heart rate, suppressed appetite, increased blood pressure, palpitations, dilated pupils, intense sweating, teeth grinding, muscle cramping, jaw clentching, sleeplessness/insomnia, dry mouth, increased thirst, nystagymus (eye jitters), irritation/pain to nasal area after snorting

Psychological effects

Feeling of stimulation, perception of increased energy, feeling of ‘coming up', alertness, urge to talk, intense connection with music, craving to re‐dose, poor concentration, mental confusion, poor short term memory, anxiety, visual and auditory hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia, depression

The list above is some of the main effects and side effects that have been reported, not all these effects will be experienced by all users and the more serious effects tend to be reported in cases of higher dosages.

Longer term: Little is known about long‐term effects. There has been some suggestion that similar to other related research chemicals such as mephedrone, vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) may be a concern especially at higher doses although more research is needed. Vasoconstriction is reported to cause a blue tingeing of parts of the body‐often hands and knees.

There has been some suggestion that Naphyrone has some carcinogenic risks due to its chemical structure.

Comedown effects: Most common comedown effects that are reported are cravings to re‐dose, tiredness and lethargy.

After effects: Some users report no significant after effects, although some users describe a remaining feeling of paranoia, anxiety and /or depression and physical symptoms of palpitations and cardiovascular issues for a number of days after use.

Legal status:

The home office made a press release on 12th July announcing plans to ban Naphyrone under Misuse of Drugs Act into category B, following the ACMD report. Other related substances such as Pyrovalerone are classified into category C under the Misuse of drugs act. Another similar substance MDPV is now classified in category B. Although technically legal to possess until ban comes into force, it is not to be sold for human consumption. Anyone supplying this to others for human consumption, even if this is giving to a friend, would be liable for possible prosecution.

Harm reduction advice

• Use accurate scales to measure doses, don't try to judge by eye.
• For a first time user, start with a test amount e.g 5mg to ensure there are no adverse reactions
• Limit dose‐start with a small amount and leave at least 1 hour before re‐dosing
• Control quantities you take in one session
• Avoid mixing with other drugs/alcohol
• If snorting, clean out nose after use and use straw‐don't share with anyone else!
• If ingesting, ingest within a capsule/cigarette paper
• Ensure you replace fluids lost by dancing but be careful with water consumption ‐small sips and don't go over 1 pint in 1 hour
• Take regular breaks when dancing so as not to dehydrate
• Try not to use alone and tell your friends what you are taking
• If you are on antidepressant medication especially MAOI's and certain SSRI's it is advised to avoid naphyrone due to possibility of increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• If you have any history of heart, circulatory or blood pressure problems, it is advised you avoid naphyrone.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is advised you avoid naphyrone due to risks of premature labour, miscarriage, birth defects and developmental issues
• IV use and eyeballing is strongly discouraged by users

Legal Status

Naphyrone is now a class B drug. The maximum penalty for possession is 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Maximum penalty for supply and trafficking is 14 years and an unlimited fine.

Useful links

http://drugs‐forum.com

http://www.erowid.org

http://www.bluelight.ru

http://www.knowthescore.info/

http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs‐laws/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphyrone