NEP

Template:Proofread Template:SubstanceBox/Ethyl-Pentedrone Ethyl-pentedrone (also known as n-ethyl-pentedrone and NEP) is a stimulant research chemical belonging to the cathinone group. Ethyl-pentedrone's stimulation is believed to be caused by its affinity as an NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor); however, there have been no scientific studies confirming this. It may also act as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor or releasing agent in moderate to high doses, but this is only speculation.

Ethyl-pentedrone is closely related to pentedrone, with an added ethyl-group on the carbon chain containing the nitrogen. This addition makes it about 3x as potent as pentedrone. Ethyl-pentedrone is also closely related to ethyl-hexedrone, and is likely very similar in effects.

Ethyl-pentedrone first became known in the research chemical market during 2016. Little research exists about ethyl-pentedrone and its parent compound pentedrone. All dosage information found on the internet should be treated with caution.

Chemistry

Ethyl-pentedrone is a substituted cathinone, which means that it features a phenethylamine core with an alkyl group attached to the alpha carbon and an oxygen group attached to the beta carbon. Cathinones are beta-ketone analogues of amphetamines.

Pharmacology

Due to the lack of research regarding the substance, all discussion regarding the pharmacology of it is purely based upon its structure and subjective effect similarities to other cathinones such as mephedrone and others. Ethyl-Pentedrone most likely acts as both a dopamine and norepinephrine releasing agent or reuptake inhibitor. This allows dopamine and norepinephrine to accumulate within the brain, resulting in stimulating and euphoric effects. It is possible that it may have some serotonergic properties, as users have described some entactogenic feelings.

Subjective effects

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

• Spontaneous tactile sensations - High doses of ethyl-pentedrone result in a pleasurable body high characterized by pleasant tingling.
• Stimulation - In terms of its effects on the user's physical energy levels, ethyl-pentedrone can be considered to be extremely stimulating and energetic.
• Dehydration - Dry mouth and increased sweating can occur after consuming ethyl-pentedrone. Low doses of the substance in question cause minimal dehydration.
• Vasoconstriction - Ethyl-pentedrone can be considered slightly vasoconstricting.
• Tactile enhancement
• Increased heart rate
• Increased perspiration
• Appetite suppression
• Focus enhancement
• Temporary erectile dysfunction
• Increased blood pressure
• Teeth grinding - This component can be considered to be less intense when compared with that of MDMA.

Cognitive effects

• Euphoria
• Thought acceleration
• Analysis enhancement - This effect is mostly present in lower doses when not overshadowed by euphoria.
• Empathy, love, and sociability enhancement - These feelings of sociability, love and empathy are much weaker and less sharp than those found on substances such as MDMA but seem to be present at high doses for some users.
• Immersion enhancement
• Time distortion
• Ego inflation
• Disinhibition
• Motivation enhancement
• Compulsive redosing
• Increased music appreciation

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

It should be noted that many users have described the comedown of ethyl-pentedrone as being particularly “smooth,” so these effects may not be present to as great a degree as other stimulants.

Toxicity and harm potential

Main article: Research chemicals § Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational Ethyl-Pentedrone use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because Ethyl-Pentedrone has very little history of human usage. Anecdotal evidence from people who have tried Ethyl-Pentedrone within the community suggest that there do not seem to be any acute negative health effects.

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

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other stimulants, the chronic use of Ethyl-Pentedrone can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and is capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. When addiction has developed, cravings and withdrawal effects may occur if a person suddenly stops their usage.

Tolerance to many of the effects of Ethyl-Pentedrone 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 - 2 weeks to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Ethyl-Pentedrone presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all dopaminergic stimulants]], meaning that after the consumption of Ethyl-Pentedrone all stimulants will have a reduced effect.

Psychosis

Main article: Stimulant psychosis

Abuse of compounds within the stimulant 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). A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely. The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.

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.

• Stimulants - Ethyl-Pentedrone can be potentially dangerous in combination with other stimulants as it can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] & "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 25x compounds are highly stimulating and physically straining. Combinations with NEP 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.
• "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 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.
• "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 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.
• "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 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).
• "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Some reports suggest combinations with MXE may dangerously increase blood pressure and increase the risk of mania and psychosis.
• "[[UncertainInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Both classes carry a risk of delusions, mania and psychosis, and these risk may be multiplied when combined.
• "[[UnsafeInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - NEP may be dangerous to combine with other stimulants like cocaine as they can increase one's heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - Tramadol is known to lower the seizure threshold and combinations with stimulants may further increase this risk.
• MDMA - The neurotoxic effects of MDMA may be increased when combined with amphetamine and other stimulants.
• "[[DangerousInteraction" contains a listed "[" character as part of the property label and has therefore been classified as invalid.]] - 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.
• Cocaine - This combination may increase strain on the heart.

Legal issues

This legality section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it.

• 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.

See also

• Responsible use
• Stimulant
• Cathinone