Monkey Dust

Stimulant

Monkey Dust is a name commonly used for drugs containing synthetic cathinones. These are stimulant drugs which have effects similar to amphetamines (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).

Also known as:

MDPHP

Monkey Dust at a glance

How it can make you feel:

Aggressive, alert, euphoric, depressed, and out of control or paranoid.

What to do if someone overdoses:

If someone passes out and you can’t wake them up, put them in the recovery position and call 999.

How to reduce harm:

Some ways of using Monkey Dust carry less risk than others.

Withdrawal signs and what to do:

Insomnia, nausea, paranoia and anxiety.

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What does Monkey Dust look like?

A fine white, off-white or yellowish powder. It can sometimes be brown in colour.

It may also look like:

Pills
Capsules

How is Monkey Dust taken?

Snorting the powder
Swallowing tablets or powder wrapped in a cigarette paper (also called ‘bombing’)
Smoking

How can Monkey Dust make me feel?

Monkey Dust can make you feel:

Aggressive
Alert
Anxious
Euphoric
Depressed
Talkative
Suicidal (wanting to end your life)
Out of control
Paranoid

Monkey Dust can also:

Cause hallucinations
Increase your heart rate, which could lead to heart attack
Increase your body temperature
Decrease your appetite
Make you feel sick or vomit
Lead to chest or stomach pain
Cause seizures (fits)

How long do the effects last?

It depends on several factors, including your age, weight and metabolism, what you have already taken, the purity of the drug, and the dose. If you take more than one drug at a time this increases risk of effects being amplified and increases risk of overdose.

Generally speaking, the effects can last around 12 hours. Wait at least two hours between doses if you can to see how the drug affects you.

What happens to my body if I use Monkey Dust frequently?

Using Monkey Dust frequently can cause:

Heart attacks
Strokes
Kidney damage
Memory loss
Paranoia or other mental health issues including hallucinations and psychosis
Insomnia

What do I do if I think someone has overdosed on Monkey Dust?

If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up after using amphetamine, put them in the recovery position and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know.

Signs of overdose include:

Unconscious or unresponsive
Problems with breathing
Chest pains
Seizure

If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and fentanyl. Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids, so use naloxone if you have it. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them.

You can get a naloxone kit and training on how to use it from your local WithYou service.

More information about naloxone, including how to use it.

How to reduce harm when using Monkey Dust

We recognise that some ways of using drugs are safer than others, and by providing information which supports people to make informed decisions, we can help people to minimise harm.

Before you start using, you might want to ask:

Is now the right time? How you’re feeling when you take drugs can impact the effects you may experience, so consider checking in with yourself and thinking about whether now is a good time for you
Do I know what I’m taking? Researching what you’re planning to take, what the effects can be and how to reduce harm can help to keep you safe

While you're using Monkey Dust:

Start low, go slow

As the strength and ingredients can vary between batches, even if you take the drug regularly, starting with a small amount and waiting at least two hours before your next dose can help to reduce the risk of overdose - start low, go slow.

Avoid using alone

It's best not to use drugs if you’re on your own or if you’re in a position where there is nobody you could call for help. A buddy system - where one person takes their dose first and waits until the peak effects have worn off before the other person uses - makes it more likely that someone can help if someone overdoses.

Don't mix with other substances

Try and take Monkey Dust on its own, as mixing it with other drugs or alcohol can increase your risk of overdose.

After using Monkey Dust:

Looking after and being kind to yourself is important - get plenty of sleep and rest, and try to avoid taking any other drugs to give your body time to recover
Refuelling will help your recovery - this includes drinking plenty of water and eating something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich

And always remember - if you’re feeling low and feel you can’t talk to a friend or family member, contact us for help - we provide free, confidential and non-judgemental advice: www.scdas.org.uk

Withdrawal signs, symptoms and what to do

If your body develops a tolerance to Monkey Dust, you may feel you need to take more to get the same effects.

You can become dependent on Monkey Dust, and regular use can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or cut back.

We recommend getting professional support to cut down.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Insomnia
Nausea
Paranoia
Anxiety

The law

Cathinones are a Class B drug, which means it's illegal to be found carrying or using it. The legal term for this is possession. The maximum sentence for possession of a Class B drug is up to five years in prison, a fine or both.

It’s also illegal to give away or sell cathinones. This is known as supply, and is a more serious offence than possession. It can be considered supply if you give your friend some or share some with them, and this could get you time in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

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Want to know more?

Head back to our substance glossary to find out all about common drugs and their effects.

Looking for support?

If you’re concerned about your Monkey Dust use, or if you’re worried about someone you know, we’re WithYou. We provide free, confidential and non-judgemental support and advice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out:

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