A 29-year-old Tel Aviv resident, identified as D., was certain he was taking the same MMC party drug he had used before. "At first, it didn’t feel any different," he said. "But after two and a half days without sleep —even after taking a sedative—I realized something was wrong."
D. is not alone. In recent weeks, partygoers across Israel have reported severe side effects after using what they believed to be the familiar synthetic drug. Preliminary lab tests conducted at Sheba Medical Center suggest a concerning revelation: The drug currently being sold under the name "MMC" may contain dangerous stimulants, possibly linked to Captagon – the drug used by Hamas terrorists including the elite Nukhba terror unit during the October 7 attack terror.
According to D., he experienced a racing heartbeat and intense anxiety for days. Attempts to calm himself with sedatives were unsuccessful. "I tried to go about my day as usual, but I couldn’t function. It felt like a nightmare," he recalled.
Lab tests reveal dangerous substances
In response to increasing reports of unusual effects from the synthetic drug MMC-3 samples were sent for testing at Sheba’s toxicology lab. The results were alarming: The substance currently being sold does not contain the active ingredient of MMC-3 or even cathinone derivatives, the synthetic compound derived from the khat plant.
Instead, tests detected a combination of methamphetamines and theophylline – powerful stimulants known to cause prolonged wakefulness, rapid heart rate, anxiety and shortness of breath.
In recent weeks, clubgoers across Israel have reported unexpected and extreme side effects, including sleep deprivation lasting three to four days, panic attacks and irregular heart rhythms. Rumors spread that the drug's composition had changed, possibly incorporating a new or unidentified substance. Some users even speculated that heroin had been mixed in, though this has not been confirmed.
'Captagon on steroids'
Dr. Roy Zucker, chairman of the Israeli LGBTQ+ Medical Society, addressed the growing concerns in a video statement released Tuesday. He revealed the lab’s findings and the troubling similarities between the drug’s new formula and Captagon, the potent stimulant reportedly used by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
"What we are seeing is a combination of methamphetamines and theophylline taking over one of Israel’s most popular party drugs," Zucker explained. "While the original MMC was addictive, methamphetamines are in a league of their own — comparable to crystal meth in terms of their destructive addiction potential. This new composition explains the extreme reactions reported by users, including prolonged wakefulness, severe anxiety and heart palpitations."
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Describing the altered drug as "Captagon on steroids," Zucker warned of its severe risks. "We are talking about highly addictive and dangerous stimulants with potentially life-threatening effects. Methamphetamines are notorious for their powerful grip on users, much like crystal meth. My advice? Stay far away from this – it’s a serious threat to your health and safety."
Zucker noted that the unexpected change in MMC’s composition has caught users off guard. "Once the unusual symptoms started, people weren’t expecting this kind of reaction," he said. "Some even reached out to me, saying, ‘It felt very different.’ While some found the experience unpleasant, others described it as ‘a different kind of high, but not necessarily a bad one.’"
According to him, this is a classic addiction mechanism — users develop dependence without realizing it, justifying continued use despite red flags. "Instead of asking, ‘Is this dangerous for me?’ users start asking, ‘Why is it still okay for me to do this?’ That’s what makes it so dangerous," he cautioned.
What is MMC?
MMC, the street name for the synthetic drug MMC-3 (Methyl Meth Cathinone), belongs to the synthetic cathinone family — chemical derivatives of cathinone, the active ingredient in the khat plant. Known for its stimulating effects, MMC has been popular in clubs and raves, producing effects similar to amphetamines and MDMA ("Ecstasy").
MMC-3 is one of several variations of MMC, alongside MMC-2 and MMC-4. Slight chemical modifications can sometimes allow these substances to bypass legal restrictions.
Typically found in white powder form and consumed via snorting, MMC induces a temporary euphoric high, peaking around two hours after ingestion. The drug increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, leading to heightened energy, confidence and sexual desire. However, it also carries a high risk of addiction and can cause post-use depression, fatigue, jaw clenching and anxiety.
"MMC is a deceptive, sneaky drug," Zucker warned. "All variations of MMC can lead to psychological and physical dependence, with users requiring higher doses over time to achieve the same effects. Initially, it feels light, but in the long run, it creates deep dependency. The more frequent the use, the greater the addiction risk and the more severe the health consequences."
While the best advice is to avoid MMC entirely, Zucker urged those who do use it to take harm-reduction measures to minimize health risks. "But make no mistake – this new version of the drug is even more dangerous than before. It’s a ticking time bomb."