Talk:Ethylcathinone

Ethylcathinone is a simple structural modification of mephedrone where homologation of the N-methyl substituent to an N-ethyl group occurs. Aromatic substituents, similar to those for the amphetamine analogs, have been incorporated into cathinone and mephedrone.

Although ethylcathinone has not been formally studied on the same level as traditional amphetamines or other substituted cathinones, it is safe to assume that just like other substituted amphetamines with substitutions at similar positions (with the notable exception of 4-FA), it most likely acts primarily as both a dopamine and norepinephrine releasing agent. This means it effectively increases the levels of the norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain by binding to and partially blocking the transporter proteins that normally clear those monoamines from the synaptic cleft. This allows dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate within the brain to extra-endogenous levels, resulting in stimulating, motivatory and euphoric effects.

Studies demonstrate that 2-flourine amphetamine substitutions limit activity of the compound at the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor with an over 200-fold increased selectivity for A2 receptors over A1 receptors.^[4] It has also been demonstrated that 2-substitution of a hydrogen with fluorine on the aromatic ring of norepinephrine produces a beta-adrenergic agonist with little alpha activity.^[5] This has led the online community to speculate that the milder uncomfortable cognitive and/or physical side effects and the greater efficacy as a nootropic associated with this substance are at least partially due to decreased activity at the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, resulting in significantly less norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and thus a "ceiling" to the amount of the recreational effects it can induce.

In comparison to other substituted amphetamines, ethylcathinone is considered to be an extremely functional and effective psychoactive substance for performing general productivity tasks of any sort. However, at higher doses, it becomes less of a productivity boost and more for recreational purposes due to the distracting effects of its euphoria and stimulation.

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier dosages will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects.

Physical effects

• Stimulation
• Physical euphoria
• Dehydration
• Appetite suppression
• Increased heart rate
• Teeth grinding - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of MDMA.

Cognitive effects

The cognitive effects of ethylcathinone can be broken down into several components which intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of ethylcathinone is described by many as one of mental stimulation coupled with mild euphoria, less present than that of amphetamine, even at higher doses.

• Cognitive euphoria
• Thought acceleration
• Focus enhancement
• Wakefulness
• Analysis enhancement
• Motivation enhancement
• Thought organization
• Anxiety
• Addiction suppression - In comparison to amphetamines, ethylcathinone lacks pronounced euphoria, yet retains a similar effect profile, potentially offering reduced propensity to abuse.^[6] This does not, however, mean that ethylcathinone is absent from habit-forming effects on its own.

After effects

The effects which occur during the offset of a stimulant experience generally feel negative and uncomfortable in comparison to the effects which occurred during its peak. This is often referred to as a "comedown" and occurs because of neurotransmitter depletion. Its effects commonly include:

• Anxiety
• Cognitive fatigue
• Depression
• Irritability
• Motivation suppression
• Thought deceleration
• Wakefulness

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational ethylcathinone use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because ethylcathinone has very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried ethylcathinone within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this drug at low to moderate doses by itself and using it sparingly (but nothing can be completely guaranteed). Others have commented that its d-isomer form is virtually similar to the effects of d-amphetamine, and thus far little has been shown to give reason to suspect that its toxicity is radically different (though future evidence to the contrary may prove otherwise).

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other stimulants, ethylcathinone may also possess addiction reinforcing properties. Compared with other stimulants, however chronic use of ethylcathinone can be considered only mildly addictive with a comparatively low potential for abuse. Early studies demonstrate ethylcathinone suppresses cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys, without the adverse effects associated with older phenylethylamine 5-HT releasers (e.g., fenfluramine) and DA releasers (e.g., amphetamine). Despite this, ethylcathinone may still be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.

Tolerance to many of the effects of ethylcathinone develops with prolonged and repeated use. This results in users having to administer increasingly large doses to achieve the same effects. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 1 - 10 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Ethylcathinone presents cross-tolerance with all dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of ethylcathinone all stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Psychosis

Abuse of compounds within the amphetamine chemical class at high dosages for prolonged periods of time can potentially result in a stimulant psychosis that may present with a variety of symptoms (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions).^[7] A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.^[8][9] The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.^[10] Psychosis very rarely arises from therapeutic use.^[11][12]

Dangerous interactions

Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.

• MAOIs - This combination may increase the amount of neurotransmitters such as dopamine to dangerous or even fatal levels. Examples include syrian rue, banisteriopsis caapi, and some antidepressants.^[13]
• Stimulants - Ethylcathinone can be potentially dangerous in combination with other stimulants as it can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• 25x-NBOMe & 25x-NBOH - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with Ethylcathinone should be strictly avoided due to the risk of excessive stimulation and heart strain. This can result in increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, panic attacks, thought loops, seizures, and heart failure in extreme cases.
• Alcohol - Combining alcohol with stimulants can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental over-intoxication. Stimulants mask alcohol's depressant effects, which is what most people use to assess their degree of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the depressant effects will be left unopposed, which can result in blackouts and severe respiratory depression. If mixing, the user should strictly limit themselves to only drinking a certain amount of alcohol per hour.
• DXM - Combinations with DXM should be avoided due to its inhibiting effects on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. There is an increased risk of panic attacks and hypertensive crisis, or serotonin syndrome with serotonin releasers (MDMA, methylone, mephedrone, etc.). Monitor blood pressure carefully and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• MDMA - Any neurotoxic effects of MDMA are likely to be increased when other stimulants are present. There is also a risk of excessive blood pressure and heart strain (cardiotoxicity).
• MXE - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
• Dissociatives - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
• Stimulants - Ethylcathinone may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• Tramadol - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold^[14] and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
• MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with amphetamines.
• MAOIs - This combination may increase the amount of neurotransmitters such as dopamine to dangerous or even fatal levels. Examples include syrian rue, banisteriopsis caapi, and some antidepressants.^[15]
• Cocaine - This combination may increase strain on the heart to dangerous levels.

Ethcathinone is currently a grey area compound within all parts of the world, meaning its regulation lies in a legal grey area and that it is not known to be specifically illegal ("scheduled") within any country. However, people may still be charged for its possession under certain circumstances such as under analogue laws and with intent to sell or consume.

• United States - Ethylcathinone may be considered to be an analog of amphetamine, thus falling under the Federal Analog Act.The Federal Analog Act, 21 U.S.C. § 813, is a section of the United States Controlled Substances Act, allowing any chemical "substantially similar" to an illegal drug (in Schedule I or II) to be treated as if it were also in Schedule I or II, but only if it is intended for human consumption.
• United Kingdom - It is illegal to produce, supply, or import this drug under the Psychoactive Substance Act, which came into effect on May 26th, 2016.^[16]
• China: As of October 2015 Ethylcathinone is a controlled substance in China.^[17]

• Responsible use
• Stimulants
• Amphetamine
• Cathinone
• Methamphetamine
• 2-FMA
• 2-FA

• Ethcathinone (Wikipedia)
• Ethcathinone (Erowid Vault)
• Ethylcathinone (Isomer Design)