Buphedrone, also known as α-methylamino-butyrophenone (MABP), is a stimulant of the phenethylamine and cathinone chemical classes that was first synthesized in 1928. It is legal in most countries as a research chemical, as long as it is not intended for human consumption.
Chemistry
Buphedrone is a beta-ketone and is related to the naturally occurring compounds, cathinone and cathine. It is also related to methamphetamine, differing by the β-ketone substituent (at the beta carbon) and an ethyl group replacing the methyl group at the carbon alpha to the amine. One other name for Buphedrone is : Phenylacetoethyl-methylamine
Buphedrone as free base is very unstable; the ketone is readily reduced to a hydroxyl group, thus forming the corresponding alcohol. Structurally, this occurs when the C=O bond at the Rβ-position is converted into a C-OH bond. Because of this, it is sold as various salts, with a hydrochloride being most common.
Effects
Buphedrone increases spontaneous rodent locomotor activity, potentiates the release of dopamine from dopaminergic nerve terminals in the brain, and causes appetite suppression. It also causes a possibly dangerous effect of decreasing subjective feeling of thirst. The effects of buphedrone have also been compared to methamphetamine, with more euphoria and less physical stimulation. Most commonly reported effects include:
- Elevated mood, euphoria
- Increased alertness
- Dilated pupils (rare)
- Slurred speech (rare)
- Increased heart rate
- Talkativeness
- Increased empathy and sense of communication
- Increased sex drive
- Temporary erectile dysfunction in men
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Increased motivation
Depending on the route of administration, the duration varies from approximately 2.5 (IV) to 6 hours (orally) and may be followed by unpleasant symptoms associated with withdrawal, which may include:
- Dysphoria
- Tiredness
- Sweating
- Loss of concentration
See also
- Substituted cathinone
- Pentedrone