Brephedrone (4-BMC)
Brephedrone (4-BMC, 4-bromomethcathinone) is a synthetic cathinone stimulant, the para-bromo halogenated analogue of methcathinone in the same series as flephedrone and clephedrone. It circulated as a research chemical with no approved use. Human pharmacology is uncharacterised; reported effects are anecdotal and describe a moderate, somewhat harsh stimulant.
01 Overview
Brephedrone is a ring-halogenated cathinone sold as a 'research chemical'. The para-bromine substituent places it alongside other 4-halo methcathinones; users describe stimulation and mild mood elevation reported as less rewarding than mephedrone, still with a marked redose urge.
The class hazards apply in full: compulsive redosing, cardiovascular strain, harsh comedown and unknown neurotoxicity. There are no controlled human studies, so figures are approximate and drawn from user reports.
02 Mechanism
Presumed monoamine releaser and reuptake inhibitor at dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin transporters, with the para-bromo substituent characteristic of the halogenated methcathinone series.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 50–150 mg | Insufflated | Faster, harsher, more compulsive. |
| Common | 100–250 mg | Oral | Anecdotal only. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| StimulationEnergy and wakefulness reported by users. | Anecdotal | ||
| Mild mood elevationReported as weaker and less euphoric than mephedrone. | Anecdotal | ||
| Appetite suppressionReduced hunger during effects. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsive redosingUrge to redose repeatedly, driving binges. | Moderate | Most users | Anecdotal | |
| Cardiovascular strainTachycardia and hypertension typical of the class. | Severe | Common | Unconfirmed | |
| Comedown and low moodFatigue and depressed mood after use. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal |