Mephedrone warning

The Western Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed that there have been a number of instances where patients have been admitted to Altnagelvin Area Hospital with illness associated with having taken mephedrone, which is nicknamed M-cat, bubbles or meow meow, and is set to be banned in the UK within weeks.

The Trust also said that an increase in the number of patients attending the Accident and Emergency Department who have taken mephedrone has been noted.

While not all of these patients would require admission to hospital, in one week recently five patients were admitted for care with mephedrone-related problems.

Dr Neil Black, Western Trust Consultant Physician, said: "It is important that people are aware of the dangers of taking these substances. People taking mephedrone have experienced a range of symptoms. These include palpitations and a very fast heart rate, which have potentially life-threatening consequences.

"Other patients have suffered painful muscle spasms which have persisted over a few days and have been very difficult to settle. Some patients have experienced emotional feelings associated with having taken the substance including depression, paranoia and delusional experiences. We have other reports of clear physical and psychological addiction to mephedrone.

"It is crucial that people are aware that taking these substances can lead to potentially life-threatening physical and emotional conditions."

Anyone who has concerns about drugs can contact their local Drugs and Alcohol Coordination Team (DACT) to find out about support and other services in their area. The Western Drugs and Alcohol Team can be contacted on 028 8225 3950.

If you are concerned about any issue in relation to suicide or self-harm ring LIFELINE on 0808 808 8000 – counsellors are available 24 hours a day.

A factsheet 'Mephedrone and legal highs – the facts' can be obtained by accessing the nidirect website, via the following link: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-mar-10-mephedrone-legal-highs-the-facts