ETH-CAT: Difference between revisions

ETH-CAT has a relatively short period of human use but is generally thought to be well-tolerated and relatively safe, based on its molecular structure as well as reports of it possessing a so-called "ceiling effect" that generally limits the amount of potentially-distracting [[euphoria]] it can produce compared to many other stimulants in its class.  

Historically, ETH-CAT has rarely been available on the streets, and has instead been primarily distributed as a [[research chemical]] on the online grey market.<ref>Isomeric fluoro-methoxy-phenylalkylamines: a new series of controlled-substance analogues (designer drugs) (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15639609</ref><ref>Chemical analysis of four capsules containing the controlled substance analogues 4-methylmethcathinone, 2-fluoromethamphetamine, alpha-phthalimidopropiophenone and N-ethylcathinone (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20074881</ref> However, in 2008 it was identified as an ingredient in both quasi-legal "party pills". It has also been reported as having been sold as "ecstasy" along with another [[substituted cathinone]], [[mephedrone]].<ref>Police warn of potentially fatal 'fake ecstasy' | http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-06-17/police-warn-of-potentially-fatal-fake-ecstasy/2475270</ref>

Due to its short history of human use, moderately compulsive nature, and unknown toxicity profile, it is strongly advised to use [[harm reduction]] techniques if choosing to use this substance.

[[File:Cathinone-general-structure.gif|thumbnail|right|215px|Cathinone substitutive structure.]]

Although the effects of ETH-CAT have not been formally studied on the same level as traditional [[amphetamines]] or other substituted cathinones like [[methcathinone]], it is possible to speculate that like other simple [[substituted cathinone]], it most likely acts principally as a [[dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine]] [[reuptake inhibitor]].<ref>Kelly, J. P. (2011). Cathinone derivatives: a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. ''Drug Testing and Analysis'', 3(7‐8), 439-453. https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.31</ref>  

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]], [[External hallucinations|hallucinations]], or [[delusions]]).<ref name="amptreat">Shoptaw SJ, Kao U, Ling W. Treatment for amphetamine psychosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews'', 1. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3 </ref> A review on treatment for [[amphetamine]] and [[methamphetamine]] abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.<ref name="amptreat" /><ref>Hofmann, F. G. (1983). A handbook on drug and alcohol abuse: the biomedical aspects. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195030570.</ref> The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, [[antipsychotic]] medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.<ref name="amptreat" /> Psychosis is known to arises only very rarely from therapeutic use.<ref>Stimulant Misuse: Strategies to Manage a Growing Problem | http://www.acha.org/prof_dev/ADHD_docs/ADHD_PDprogram_Article2.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021303s026lbl.pdf</ref>

==Legality==

ETH-CAT is currently an unscheduled compound within all parts of the world, meaning its regulation lies in a legal grey area and is not explicitly prohibited within any country. However, people may still be charged for its possession under certain circumstances such as under analogue laws due to its similarity to methcathinone, a widely prohibited substance, provided there is intent to sell or consume.

*'''China''' - As of October 2015 Ethylcathinone is a controlled substance in China.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sfda.gov.cn/WS01/CL0056/130753.html | title=关于印发《非药用类麻醉药品和精神药品列管办法》的通知 | publisher=China Food and Drug Administration | date=27 September 2015 | language=Chinese | accessdate=1 October 2015}}</ref>

*'''Denmark''' - Ethcathinone, along with mephedrone and flephedrone, was banned in Denmark on December 18, 2008.<ref>Forbud mod tre nye stoffer | http://nyheder.tv2.dk/article.php/id-19197033.html?forside=</ref>

*'''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.<ref>Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Legislation.gov.uk) | http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/2/contents/enacted</ref>

*'''United States''' - Ethylcathinone may be considered to be an analogue of amphetamine under the Federal Analogue Act.The Federal Analogue 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.

*[https://erowid.org/chemicals/ethylcathinone/ethylcathinone.shtml Ethcathinone (Erowid)]

*[http://drugs.tripsit.me/ethylcathinone Ethcathinone (TripSit)]

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