ETH-CAT: Difference between revisions

'''Ethylcathinone''' (also known as '''Ethylpropion''', '''Ethcathinone''', and commonly as '''ETH-CAT''') is a [[psychoactive class::stimulant]] substance of the [[chemical class::cathinone]] chemical class that produces [[stimulating]] and [[focus enhancement|focus enhancing]] effects when [[Routes of administration|administered]]. It is structurally related to [[cathinone]] and methcathinone (MCAT), which broadly shares the effects profile of [[amphetamine]] or [[methylphenidate]].  

Very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of ETH-CAT, and it has little history of human usage. It is 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> 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> It is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.  

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>

*'''United Kingdom''': Ethylcathinone is a Class B drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the cathinone catch-all clause.<ref>United Kingdom. (2010). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (S.I. 2010/1207). London: The Stationery Office Limited. Retrieved February 9, 2018, from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1207/made</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.{{citation needed}}