Pentedrone (also known as drone) is a lesser-known novel stimulant substance of the cathinone class. Pentedrone belongs to a group of compounds known as substituted cathinones. Pentedrone acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
This product was first detected being sold online in 2010. It is an example of a contemporary designer drug specifically chosen to mimic and/or replace the effects of street drugs like cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine. Pentedrone and similar compounds are sometimes referred to as “bath salts”.
The Pentedrone is known to come in the form of either a white powder or crystallized shards which users can ingest to
produce a powerful, fast-acting but short-lived euphoric stimulant effects which are comparable to those of crack-
cocaine, N-ethylpentedrone and a-PVP-type compounds, particularly when they
are insufflated, vaporized or injected. Starting with the advent of MDPV, research chemical stimulants like
pentedrone have gained notoriety for its tendency to induce compulsive redosing and addictive behaviors in a
seemingly significant percentage of its users as well the ability to readily induce paranoid, delusional states and stimulant psychosis when abused.
Good for research.
Pharmacology
The Pentedrone acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor without causing their release, the same mechanism of action as methylphenidate.
Side effects
Pentedrone has been linked to at least one death where it was combined with ?-PVP and caused heart failure.
The chemical formula of Pentedrone indicated that the effects of this chemical compound might be very similar of
mephedrone the most famous cathinone research chemical synthesized during the last century.
Its pharmacology can provide strong binding to noradrenalin, dopamine and serotonin transporters, which could
potentially be used as a potential anti-depressant like Ephedrone in 1940s was used in the Soviet Union. Further it
give the chemical compound Pentedrone the possibility to be used in medical trials as a weight loss supplement
because it might have also a similar way of action like the synthetic cathinone amfepramone.
Detection
A forensic standard of Pentedrone is available, and the compound has been posted on the Forendex website of potential drugs of abuse.
Legal status
On January 28, 2014, the DEA listed it, along with 9 other synthetic cathinones, on the Schedule 1 with a temporary ban, effective February 27, 2014.
As of October 2015 Pentedrone is a controlled substance in China.
Pentedrone is banned in the Czech Republic.
Chemical and physical data
Formula: C12H17NO
Molar mass: 191.269 g/mol g·mol?1
See also
4-Methylpentedrone
Buphedrone
MDPV
Methcathinone
Pentylone