ETH-CAT: Difference between revisions

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{{SubstanceBox/Ethylcathinone}}
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'''Ethcathinone''' (also known as '''Ethylcathinone''', '''Ethylpropion''', and '''ETH-CAT''') is a synthetic [[psychoactive class::stimulant]] of the [[chemical class::cathinone]] chemical class that produces medium-lived typical [[amphetamine]] and [[cathinone]]-like [[stimulation]] when [[Routes of administration|administered]]. It is an active metabolite of the [[prodrug]] diethylcathinone and is thought to be responsible for its psychoactive effects.  
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| ''[[Ethylcathinone/Summary|Summary sheet: Ethylcathinone]]''
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'''Ethcathinone''' (also known as '''Ethylcathinone''', '''Ethylpropion''', '''ETH-CAT''', or '''ETHCAT''') is a synthetic [[psychoactive class::stimulant]] of the [[chemical class::cathinone]] chemical class that produces typical [[amphetamine|amphetamine-like]] [[stimulation]] when [[Routes of administration|administered]]. It is an active metabolite of the [[prodrug]] [[diethylcathinone]] and is thought to be responsible for its psychoactive effects. Ethcathinone has been identified as an ingredient in both quasi-legal "party pills", and, along with another [[substituted cathinone]], [[mephedrone]], has also been reported as having been sold as "ecstasy"<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>


Ethcathinone has a relatively short period of human use and is generally considered to be well tolerated due to its low ceiling and euphoria ceiling. Of the simple substituted cathinones, ethcathinone has been reported to be moderate and residually enduring in its stimulation. Although it has no strong, habit-forming rush component like [[mephedrone]] ('''4-methylmethcathinone'''), ethcathinone is often reported to exhibit a tendency to induce compulsive redosing.  
Of the simple substituted cathinones, ethcathinone has been reported to be one of the most moderate and residually enduring in its stimulation. Although it has no strong, habit-forming rush component like [[mephedrone]] ('''4-methylmethcathinone'''), ethcathinone is often reported to exhibit a tendency to induce compulsive redosing, albeit in a manner to extend the effects rather than reproduce the intial rush. It has a relatively short period of human use but is generally considered to be well tolerated due to the so-called "ceiling effect" it is commonly reported to display with reference to the amount of [[euphoria]] it can produce compared to many other [[cathinone]] and [[amphetamine]] derived stimulants substances.  


Ethcathinone is rarely available on the streets, but is instead 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> 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.
Historically, ethcathinone has rarely been available on the streets, but was instead 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", and, along with another [[substituted cathinone]], [[mephedrone]], has also been reported as having been sold as "ecstasy"<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.


==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
Ethcathinone is comprised of a [[phenethylamine]] core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH<sub>2</sub>) group through an ethyl chain containing a beta-ketone group (what is known as a '''cathinone''' molecule) with an additional ethyl substitution at R<sub>α</sub>. It can be thought of as the cathinone homolog of [[ethylamphetamine]] as it has the same general formula, differing only in the addition of a single double bonded oxygen.
Ethcathinone, or ethylcathinone, is a synthetic [[alkaloid]] of the [[substituted cathinone]] class. Substituted cathinones derive from [[cathinone[[, the principal active psychoactive component in the [[khat]] plant. Cathinone is comprised of a [[phenethylamine]] core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH<sub>2</sub>) group through an ethyl chain containing a beta-ketone group (what is known as a '''cathinone''' molecule) with an additional ethyl substitution at R<sub>α</sub>. It can be thought of as the cathinone homolog of [[ethylamphetamine]] as it has the same general formula, differing only in the addition of a single double bonded oxygen.


[[File:Cathinone-general-structure.gif|thumbnail|right|245px|Cathinone substitutive structure.]]
[[File:Cathinone-general-structure.gif|thumbnail|right|215px|Cathinone substitutive structure.]]


==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
Although the effects of ethcathinone 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 primarily as a [[dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine]] [[reuptake inhibitor]].<ref>Cathinone derivatives: A review of their
Although the effects of ethcathinone 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>Cathinone derivatives: A review of their
chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology | DOI 10.1002/dta.31</ref> The result of this is an effective increase in 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 key area of the brain linked to reward and pleasure to extra-endogenous levels, resulting in stimulating, motivatory and euphoric effects.
chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology | DOI 10.1002/dta.31</ref> The result of this is an effective increase in 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 key area of the brain linked to reward and pleasure to extra-endogenous levels, resulting in stimulating, motivatory and euphoric effects.


==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
Ethylcathinone at low to moderate doses has been reported as being a relatively functional and effective amphetamine-like stimulant for performing general productivity tasks -- although its short action of duration may present a drawback compared to other stimulants due to the compulsive redosing it requires to maintain a steady concentration. However, at higher doses, it becomes less of a productivity oriented stimuant and more of a recreational one, due to the distracting nature of the euphoria and stimulation it can produce, although it is reported to fall short of other related cathinone stimulants such as [[mephedrone]], [[methylone]], and [[methcathinone]]. Users should not that while the main effects of this substance is short, the residual stimulation it can produce can be quite long lasting.
Ethylcathinone at low to moderate doses has been reported as being a relatively functional and effective amphetamine-like stimulant for performing general productivity tasks -- although its short duration of activity combined with its tendency to produce long-lasting residual stimulation may present a drawback compared to other stimulants due to the compulsive redosing it can induce to maintain a steady level of the desired amount of [[stimulation]]. However, at higher doses, it becomes less of a productivity-oriented stimulant and more of a recreational one, due to the distracting nature of the euphoria and stimulation it can produce. In this area however, it is reported as falling short of other, more potent related cathinone stimulants such as [[mephedrone]], [[methylone]], and [[methcathinone]].


{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
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*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Wakefulness]]'''
==Dangerous interactions==
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
{{DangerousInteractions/MAOI|nt=dopamine}}
*'''[[Stimulants]]''' - Ethylcathinone can be potentially dangerous in combination with other [[stimulant]]s as it can [[increased heart rate|increase one's heart rate]] and [[increased blood pressure|blood pressure]] to dangerous levels.
{{DangerousInteractions/Stimulants}}
*'''[[MDMA]]''' - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with [[amphetamine]]s.
{{DangerousInteractions/MAOI|nt=dopamine}}
*'''[[Cocaine]]''' - This combination may increase strain on the heart to dangerous levels.


==Toxicity and harm potential==
==Toxicity and harm potential==
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As with other [[stimulant]]s, ethcathinone may also possess habit-forming or reinforcing properties. Compared with other stimulants, however chronic use of ethcathinone can be considered only [[Addiction potential::mildly addictive with a comparatively low potential for abuse]]. Early studies demonstrate ethcathinone suppresses cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys, without the adverse effects associated with older DA releasers (e.g., amphetamine).{{citation needed}} Despite this, ethcathinone may still be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.
As with other [[stimulant]]s, ethcathinone may also possess habit-forming or reinforcing properties. Compared with other stimulants, however chronic use of ethcathinone can be considered only [[Addiction potential::mildly addictive with a comparatively low potential for abuse]]. Early studies demonstrate ethcathinone suppresses cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys, without the adverse effects associated with older DA releasers (e.g., amphetamine).{{citation needed}} Despite this, ethcathinone may still be capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users.


Tolerance to many of the effects of ethyathinone [[Time to full tolerance::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 [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 10 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Ethylcathinone presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[dopamine]]rgic [[stimulant]]s]], meaning that after the consumption of ethcathinone all [[stimulant]]s will have a reduced effect.
Tolerance to many of the effects of ethyathinone [[Time to full tolerance::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 [[Time to half tolerance::2 - 3 days]] for the tolerance to be reduced to half and [[Time to zero tolerance::5-7 days]] to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Ethylcathinone presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[dopamine]]rgic [[stimulant]]s]], meaning that after the consumption of ethcathinone all [[stimulant]]s will have a reduced effect.


===Psychosis===
===Psychosis===
{{Main|Stimulant psychosis}}
{{Main|Stimulant 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|paranoia]], [[External hallucinations|hallucinations]], or [[Delusions|delusions]]).<ref>Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+Saturday%2C+15+March+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+GMT+%2806%3A00-08%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance]</ref> A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextro[[amphetamine]], and [[methamphetamine]] abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.<ref>Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+Saturday%2C+15+March+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+GMT+%2806%3A00-08%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance]</ref><ref>Hofmann FG (1983). A Handbook on Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Biomedical Aspects (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 329. 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>Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+Saturday%2C+15+March+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+GMT+%2806%3A00-08%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance]</ref> Psychosis very rarely arises 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>
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|paranoia]], [[External hallucinations|hallucinations]], or [[Delusions|delusions]]).<ref>Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+Saturday%2C+15+March+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+GMT+%2806%3A00-08%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance]</ref> A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextro[[amphetamine]], and [[methamphetamine]] abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.<ref>Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+Saturday%2C+15+March+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+GMT+%2806%3A00-08%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance]</ref><ref>Hofmann FG (1983). A Handbook on Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Biomedical Aspects (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. p. 329. 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>Treatment for amphetamine psychosis | [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.pub3/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+Saturday%2C+15+March+from+10%3A00-12%3A00+GMT+%2806%3A00-08%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance]</ref> Psychosis very rarely arises 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>
===Dangerous interactions===
{{DangerousInteractions/Intro}}
{{DangerousInteractions/MAOI|nt=dopamine}}
*'''[[Stimulants]]''' - Ethylcathinone can be potentially dangerous in combination with other [[stimulant]]s as it can [[increased heart rate|increase one's heart rate]] and [[increased blood pressure|blood pressure]] to dangerous levels.
{{DangerousInteractions/Stimulants}}
*'''[[MDMA]]''' - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with [[amphetamine]]s.
{{DangerousInteractions/MAOI|nt=dopamine}}
*'''[[Cocaine]]''' - This combination may increase strain on the heart to dangerous levels.


==Legal issues==
==Legal issues==