N-Ethylhexedrone crystal rocks – More information
N-Ethylhexedrone (also known as NEH and hexen) is a lesser-known novel stimulant substance of the cathinone class. N-Ethylhexedrone is a derivative of hexedrone and is part of a diverse group of compounds called the substituted cathinones. Little is known about its pharmacology, although it likely acts by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
The original synthesis date of N-ethylhexedrone is unknown. It appears to have emerged on the online research chemical market in late 2015. It is an example of a novel psychoactive substance specifically chosen to mimic the features of prohibited substances and bypass drug laws. It is one of a number of substances collectively referred to in popular culture as “bath salts”.
User reports characterize N-ethylhexedrone as having euphoric stimulant effects comparable to those of crack-cocaine and α-PVP-type compounds, particularly when they insufflated or vaporized. Like other substituted cathinones, N-ethylhexedrone has gained notoriety for its association with compulsive redosing and addictive behaviors when abused.
Very little is known about the pharmacology, metabolism, and toxicity of N-ethylhexedrone. Due to this, it is highly advised to use harm reduction practices if using this substance.
clinical data
Common names | Hexen, Hex-en, NEH, Ethyl-Hexedrone |
Substitutive name | N-Ethylhexedrone, N-Ethyl-nor-hexedrone |
Systematic name | 2-(ethylamino)-1-phenylhexan-1-one |
Psychoactive class | Stimulant |
Chemical class | Cathinone |
N-Ethylhexedrone dosage table
Threshold | 5 mg |
Light | 15 – 30 mg |
Common | 30 – 40 mg |
Strong | 40 – 50 mg |
Heavy | 50 mg + |
N-Ethylhexedrone effect progress
Total | 2 – 5 hours |
Offset | 1 – 4 hours |
After effects | 1 – 8 hours |
History and culture
N-Ethylhexedrone was first identified in a sample from the Belgian Customs laboratory which was received at the JRC on November 2015. In January 2016, it was identified at the JRC in a sample provided by French Customs. Subsequently, in February 2016, the EMCDDA received notifications of the identification of this substance from other countries, such as Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Belgium and Slovenia.
Chemistry
N-ethylhexedrone is a molecule of the cathinone chemical class. The term “substituted cathinone” refers to a broad array of substances based on cathinone, the principally active constituent of the khat plant. Cathinone is principally constituted of a amphetamine core (a phenethylamine core with an alkyl group attached to the alpha carbon) and an oxygen group attached to the beta carbon. Cathinones are also known as the beta-ketone (βk) (double-bonded oxygen to the β-carbon) analogs of amphetamines.
Notably, the cathinone backbone can be modified in three different places to create hundreds of possible compounds, which include substituents such as
on the aromatic ring, the alpha carbon, or the amine group.
Toxicity
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational N-ethylhexedrone use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because N-ethylhexedrone has a very brief history of human usage.
Early anecdotal reports from those who have tried N-ethylhexedrone suggests that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying it at low to moderate doses by itself and using it in a sparing and controlled fashion (but nothing can be completely guaranteed).
Some users have reported N-ethylhexedrone to be caustic to the nasal membrane when it is insufflated.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Tolerance
As with other stimulants, the chronic use of N-ethylhexedrone can be considered moderately addictive with a high potential for abuse and seems to be readily liable 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 N-ethylhexedrone 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 total absence of further consumption). N-ethylhexedrone presents cross-tolerance with all noradrenergic and dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of N-ethylhexedrone all stimulants will have a reduced effect.
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., anxiety and paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions). A review on treatment for (dextro)amphetamine, 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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.