Ethyl-Hexedrone

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What is hexedrone?

Hexedrone is a novel synthetic stimulant that belongs to a chemical class known as cathinone and exhibits stimulating, disinhibiting and euphoric effects. It is structurally similar to pentedrone, therefore it is speculated that it would act as a norepinephrine-dopamine-reuptake-inhibitors (NDRI). It can be obtained online as a research chemical.

Hexedrone belongs to a substituted cathinone class, where cathinones are the sub-class of amphetamines containing β-substituted ketone group. Because of the ketone attachment on the beta carbon of the amphetamine framework it is also known as the β–keto-amphetamines. It differs from other cathinones derived from Khat plant, as it have two more substitutions. At R2 location, the hexan chain is formed by virtue of n-butyl substitution. The second substitution is of the methyl group that is attached to the amine group i.e. at R4 position, thus forming N-Methyl.

The toxicity and harm potential of this drug have not elucidated fully, as the chemical is new, and all information available is based on speculation, therefore it is highly advisable to observe caution and other harm reduction practices when consumed. The chronic use of drug has been found to be moderately addictive. Therefore, the withdrawal effects on sudden stoppage will tend to be more severe and will most likely occur in individuals who have developed addiction. The tolerance with hexedrone develops on repeated and continuous use. Moreover, it also exhibits cross-tolerance ability when administered with other dopaminergic stimulants, thereby reducing the effect of other stimulants.

Bioactivity of hexedrone

There isn’t enough data reported on the pharmacological properties, metabolism, toxicity and addiction of this substance and has a limited history of human consumption. So the pharmacological activity explained is purely an educated guess and is generally based on the structural and subjective effects shown by other similar stimulants or cathinones such as pentedrone. Hexedrone is predicted to act as dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which indicates that they are responsible for increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in brain causing stimulating and euphoric effects.

However the decreased potency of hexedrone, in comparison to pentedrone and ethyl-hexedrone can be explained. It has larger non-polar side chain than pentedrone. While in the case of ethyl-hexedrone, the methyl group is substituted by an ethyl group, resulting in the shift of electronegativity.

Expected Physical effects of hexedrone

It acts to produce stimulation, spontaneous physical or tactile sensations (commonly known as ‘body high’), dehydration, vasoconstriction, tactile enhancement, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and perspiration, focus enhancement, appetite suppression, temporary erectile dysfunction, teeth grinding.

It has various cognitive effects and act to produce cognitive euphoria, time distortion, ego inflation, disinhibition, compulsive redosing, an increased appreciation of music, motivation and immersion enhancement is observed. Individuals are likely to experience thought deceleration and analysis enhancement. Also the after-effects presents itself in the form of anxiety, cognitive fatigue, depression, irritability, thought deceleration, wakefulness, and decreased motivation.

Dosage information for hexedrone:

The route of administration is oral. The threshold amount of hexedrone required for producing action starts from a dose of 30 mg and mild effects are reported when light dose is taken, i.e., 50 – 70 mg. The common dose varies from 70 – 100 mg, while a dose of 100 – 125 mg is considered strong. The dosages above 100 mg are regarded as heavy and likely to cause substantial adverse effects.

It is a short acting drug and its duration of action lasts from 1 – 4 hours. The onset of action is from 15 – 30 minutes. It begins to offset and after effects prevails for around 1 – 12 hours.

Other names:

2-(methylamino)-1-phenylhexan-1-one

Street name: Hexa, designer drug