ETH-CAT: Difference between revisions

'''Ethylcathinone''' (also known as '''Ethylpropion''', '''Ethcathinone''', and commonly as '''ETH-CAT''') is a synthetic [[psychoactive class::stimulant]] of the [[chemical class::cathinone]] chemical class that produces an array of moderate [[stimulating]] and [[focus enhancement|focus enhancing]] effects when [[Routes of administration|administered]]. It is an active metabolite of the [[prodrug]] diethylcathinone and is thought to be responsible for its psychoactive effects.  

Of the [[substituted cathinones]], ETH-CAT has been reported to be one of the most moderate, subtle and residually enduring in terms of the stimulation it produces. Although it has no pronounced, compulsive "rush" component like [[mephedrone]] ('''4-methylmethcathinone'''), ETH-CAT is often reported to exhibit a tendency to induce [[compulsive redosing]], albeit in a manner that is intended to just extend the effects of the plateau rather than reproduce the effects of the initial onset.  

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>

Ethylcathinone, or ETH-CAT, is a synthetic [[alkaloid]] of the [[substituted cathinone]] class. Substituted cathinones are all derivatives of [[cathinone]], a stimulant substance which is structurally and functionally related to [[amphetamine]] and the principal active psychoactive component present in the [[khat]] plant (''Catha edulis''). The cathinone molecule is comprised of a [[phenethylamine]] core featuring a phenyl ring bound to an amino (NH₂) group at the end of an ethyl side-chain that contains ketone group in the beta position.  

 

In distinction to its N-methylated lower homolog, methcathinone (M-CAT), ETH-CAT possesses an additional ethyl substitution at R_α. ETH-CAT can be thought of as the cathinone analog of [[ethylamphetamine]] given it has the same general formula, differing only by the addition of a single double-bonded oxygen (i.e. the ketone group).

The cognitive effects of ETH-CAT can be broken down into several components which intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of ETH-CAT is described by many as one of mental [[stimulation]], [[focus enhancement]] and [[thought acceleration]] coupled with a mild sense of [[euphoria]] that is less pronounced than the head space of [[amphetamine]], even at strong to heavy doses.

*'''[[Effect::Thought organization]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - The cognitive euphoria that this substance produces is often reported to be extremely mild compared to other stimulants in its class.

*'''[[Effect::Addiction suppression]]''' - In comparison to [[amphetamines]], ethylcathinone lacks pronounced euphoria, yet retains a similar effect profile, potentially offering reduced propensity to abuse.<ref>Therapeutic potential of monoamine transporter substrates. | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17017961</ref> This does not, however, mean that ethylcathinone is free of any habit-forming effects when taken on its own.

*'''[[Effect::Peripheral information misinterpretation]]''' - As with most other stimulants, this component primarily occurs at higher doses or after a sustained period of redosing.

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>