

N-Ethyl-nor-pentedrone (also known as N-Ethylpentedrone, Ethyl-pentedrone or more commonly, NEP) is a lesser-known novel stimulant substance of the cathinone class that produces stimulating, euphoric, and mildly entactogenic effects when administered.

The stimulating effects of NEP are believed to mainly be caused by its activity as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). The reported entactogenic effects it displays may also be due to its activity as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor or releasing agent in moderate to high doses, although this has yet to be confirmed scientifically.[citation needed]

NEP shares a close structural relationship to its parent compound pentedrone, differing by an addition ethyl group on the terminal nitrogen on the carbon chain. This addition reportedly makes it about three times as potent as pentedrone.[citation needed] NEP is also closely related to N-Ethylhexedrone (commonly known as Hexen), and has been reported as producing largely-similar effects.

NEP first became known in the research chemical market during 2016. It is an example of a contemporary designer drug specifically chosen to mimic/replace the functional and structural features of its popular potent and short-lived-type stimulant predecessors, which are sometimes imprecisely referred to as "bath salts".

As with its parent compound pentedrone, very little data exists about the pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity of NEP in humans. Due to its novelty and extremely short history of human usage, all information related to the use of this compound should be treated with extreme caution. It is highly advised that one use harm reduction practices if choosing to use this substance.

Chemistry

NEP, or N-Ethyl-(nor)-pentedrone, belongs to the cathinone chemical class. 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. Cathinones refer to a class of molecules which are principally constituted of a phenethylamine core with an alkyl group attached to the alpha carbon and an oxygen group attached to the beta carbon. They are also known as the beta-ketone (double-bonded oxygen to the β-carbon) analogs of amphetamines. The cathinone backbone can be modified in three different places to create hundreds of possible compounds, which include substituents on the aromatic ring, the alpha carbon, and the amine group.[1]

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. NEP 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. Additionally, it has been speculated that it may possess some serotonergic properties, as users have described experiencing mild entactogenic effects on common to strong doses of this compound.

Subjective effects

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), a literature which relies on collected anecdotal reports and the personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be taken with a healthy amount of skepticism. It is worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a consistent or reliable manner, although higher doses (common+) are more likely to induce the full spectrum of reported effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely with higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Experience reports

There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:

Toxicity and harm potential

The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational NEP use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown. This is because NEP has an extremely brief history of human usage. Early anecdotal evidence from people who have tried NEP within the community suggests that there do not seem to be any negative health effects attributed to simply trying this substance at low to moderate doses by itself and using it in a sparing and controlled fashion (but nothing can be completely guaranteed)

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

Tolerance and addiction potential

As with other stimulants, the chronic use of N-ethyl-(nor)-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 NEP 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). NEP presents cross-tolerance with all dopaminergic stimulants, meaning that after the consumption of N-ethyl-(nor)-pentedrone 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., paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions).[2] A review on treatment for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse-induced psychosis states that about 5–15% of users fail to recover completely.[3][4] The same review asserts that, based upon at least one trial, antipsychotic medications effectively resolve the symptoms of acute amphetamine psychosis.[5]

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become dangerous or even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below includes some known dangerous combinations (although it cannot be guaranteed to include all of them). Independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo) should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from TripSit.

Combinations with the following substances can cause dangerously high serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if left untreated.

Legal status

Brazil : On September 7, 2018, all cathinone analogues are controlled substances considered illegal to possess, use and distribute. This was made possible due to a blanket ban law appended to Portaria SVS/MS nº 344. [9]

: On September 7, 2018, all cathinone analogues are controlled substances considered illegal to possess, use and distribute. This was made possible due to a blanket ban law appended to Portaria SVS/MS nº 344. China : NEP is a controlled substance. [ citation needed ]

: NEP is a controlled substance. Germany : NEP is controlled under the NpSG ( New Psychoactive Substances Act ) [10] as of November 26, 2016. [11] Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not penalized. [12]

: NEP is controlled under the NpSG ( ) as of November 26, 2016. Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not penalized. Japan : NEP is a controlled substance. [13]

: NEP is a controlled substance. Sweden : NEP is a controlled substance as of November 12, 2019. [14]

: NEP is a controlled substance as of November 12, 2019. Switzerland : NEP can be considered a controlled substance as a defined derivative of Cathinone under Verzeichnis E point 1. It is legal when used for scientific or industrial use. [15]

: NEP can be considered a controlled substance as a defined derivative of Cathinone under Verzeichnis E point 1. It is legal when used for scientific or industrial use. United Kingdom : NEP is a Class B drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the cathinone catch-all clause. [16]

: NEP is a Class B drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the cathinone catch-all clause. United States: NEP is not a controlled substance in the United States but possession or distribution for human use could potentially be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act due to its structural and pharmacological similarities to pentedrone.[ citation needed ]

See also