Cathinone

• Cathinone (also known as benzoylethanamine, or β-keto-amphetamine) is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance that belongs to the phenethylamine family.
• Cathinone is found in the leaves of the Catha edulis plant, commonly known as khat, which is native to the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
• The leaves of the khat plant have been chewed or brewed into tea for centuries for their stimulant effects.
• It is a stimulant drug and is structurally similar to amphetamines.
• Cathinone differs from many other amphetamines in that it has a ketone functional group.
• Other phenethylamines that share this structure include the stimulants methcathinone, MDPV, mephedrone and the antidepressant bupropion.

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Cathinone

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Mechanism of Action

• Cathinone acts as a central nervous system stimulant by affecting the release, reuptake, and receptor binding of various neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Its mechanism of action is similar to that of amphetamines and other stimulant drugs.

The primary mechanisms through which cathinone exerts its effects include:

Release of Neurotransmitters:

• Cathinone stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, from presynaptic nerve terminals.
• This increased release leads to heightened stimulation and arousal.

Reuptake Inhibition: Cathinone also inhibits the reuptake of released neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. By blocking the reuptake transporters, cathinone increases the availability of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, prolonging their effects and enhancing neuronal signaling.

Binding to Receptors:

• Cathinone interacts with various receptors in the brain, including dopamine receptors, norepinephrine receptors, and serotonin receptors.
• By binding to these receptors, cathinone enhances their activity and promotes increased neurotransmission.

• The combined effects of neurotransmitter release, reuptake inhibition, and receptor binding contribute to the stimulant and psychoactive effects of cathinone.
• It's important to note that the specific molecular targets and exact mechanisms of cathinone's action are still being studied, and additional research is needed to fully understand its pharmacological properties.

Pharmacology and Effects

Cathinone acts as a central nervous system stimulant by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This leads to increased stimulation and arousal, resulting in effects such as:

• Euphoria: Users may experience a sense of euphoria and heightened mood.
• Increased Energy: Cathinone can produce increased energy levels and feelings of alertness.
• Stimulation: It can produce a stimulant effect, similar to amphetamines, which can include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
• Appetite Suppression: Cathinone can act as an appetite suppressant, leading to reduced feelings of hunger.
• Increased Sociability: Some users may experience increased sociability and talkativeness.

• The effects of cathinone can vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors. It is worth noting that the effects of cathinone are generally milder compared to other amphetamines.

Controlled Substance

• Cathinone is classified as a controlled substance in many countries due to its psychoactive properties.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) lists cathinone as a Schedule III substance, indicating that it has a moderate potential for abuse and may lead to psychological or physical dependence.

Health Risks and Side Effects

• The use of cathinone can be associated with various health risks and side effects, including:

• Cardiovascular Effects: Cathinone can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart palpitations and chest pain. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should exercise caution or avoid cathinone use.
• Psychological Effects: Prolonged or excessive use of cathinone can lead to psychological effects such as anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and paranoia.
• Dehydration: Cathinone use may cause increased sweating and decreased fluid intake, leading to dehydration if adequate hydration is not maintained.
• Oral Health Issues: Chewing khat leaves, which contain cathinone, can lead to oral health problems such as dental decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
• Potential for Dependence: Frequent or heavy use of cathinone can lead to psychological dependence, and some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing use.

Legal Status

• The legal status of cathinone varies across different jurisdictions.
• In some countries, cathinone is considered a controlled substance and is regulated under drug laws.
• The specific legal status of cathinone and its derivatives can change over time, so it is important to consult local laws and regulations for the most up-to-date information.

See Also

• Khat
• Amphetamines
• Stimulant Drugs
• Substance Abuse

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