Apart from typically known drugs, there is a wide range of psychotropic substances about which we have less information but which are equally in circulation. We identify them under the concept of New Drugs or Synthetic Drugs, and Ephylone is one of the most dangerous. Like Poppers or Speed, Ephylone is a chemical variant of classic drugs whose production we locate in clandestine Asian laboratories.
Regarding drugs, it is known by most that, for different reasons, some substances enjoy more popularity than others. In this case, we can say that being relatively new, Ephylone is still unknown to many. It is not among the 10 most consumed psychotropics in the world nor among the 10 most addictive, although that does not make it any less dangerous. This characteristic presents advantages and disadvantages when it comes to protecting the population from its consumption or from suffering adverse effects after it. We will see them below.
The Characteristics of Ephylone
As we mentioned, there is still little information compared to the amount of data we have about other types of substances. However, there is a fairly well-defined profile of Ephylone that is good to know in order to be able to identify it better.
We also find Ephylone under the names N-ethylpentylone or bk-EBDP, and it is a drug that, in addition to being a stimulant, is also considered entactogenic. This means it belongs to the category of psychotropics that produce emotional and social effects similar to those of Ecstasy (MDMA), such as hallucinations. Additionally, it is also related to “bath salts” since both drugs derive from cathinone, a plant traditionally chewed in countries like Ethiopia or Somalia. However, being of natural origin does not make it any less dangerous as a psychotropic.
What Does Its Development Consist Of?
Specifically, the synthesis of Ephylone dates back to 1969 when it was patented by Boehringer Ingelheim, although at that time it was not marketed. It was years later when some recreational chemists recovered it.
However, the origin of synthetic cathinone derivatives is earlier, as they were first developed shortly before 1930. Due to their side effects, no medical use was found for them, but in the 2000s, they began to be marketed as “legal drugs” and became popular for their low price. They were sold as fake bath salts with indications not to be consumed, for a value lower than that of amphetamines or cocaine.
The first appearance of Ephylone as a designer drug in circulation dates back to 2016, and only one year later, it was already the most popular synthetic cathinone seized according to the DEA. In addition to Mallorca, Ephylone was located between 2017 and 2018 in multiple other places such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, New Zealand, the United States, Australia, and Germany. The drop in ketamine supply in the market also contributed to the increase of this new NPS.
Were you waiting to read about the advantages of Ephylone as mentioned in the third paragraph? There are none. The only advantage it presents as a new drug is that fewer people know about it and, therefore, seek or consume it. Along those lines, it is not one of the drugs that most concerns experts because few people consume it compared to the popularity accumulated by other types of substances. Everything else consists of negative and risk factors.
What Effects Does This Substance Have on Those Who Consume It?
As with other drugs, Ephylone produces different effects depending on who consumes it, but the most “sought-after” and common is the sensation of floating. The alteration of consciousness that occurs, often related to a tingling sensation in the body, can also lead to the popular euphoric effect that many drug users seek.
Although there is not much information about the pharmacology of this substance, it is believed to increase levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain.
As we have already mentioned, it is common for Ephylone to be used as a substitute for MDMA, although doing so is a mistake. The truth is that they are not comparable, and as we will see below, it is dangerous to confuse them for multiple reasons. The best approximation to understand its effects is to say that they appear to be similar to the interaction between cocaine and LSD or MDMA.
Among the effects of this psychotropic that are most attractive to users, we find increased focus, sociability, libido, empathy, and affection, as well as improved endurance typical of stimulant substances. However, as with all drugs, and especially synthetic ones, these effects are in no way guaranteed and can vary and lead to unwanted reactions.
It is important to consider these reactions, which can manifest as excessive sweating, muscle contractions, or appetite suppression and dehydration. Additionally, hallucinations, time distortion, and episodes of paranoia or anxiety are also common.
The Dangers of Ephylone
In addition to the adverse effects it can produce and the health risks its consumption may pose, Ephylone has multiple additional problems:
- It is easy to acquire. This increases the likelihood of recurrent consumption and raises the chances of developing an addiction.
- The side effects and dose implications are unknown. Being among the New Drugs, there is very little information, and this makes controlled consumption and proper treatment or intervention in an emergency difficult.
- It is easily confused with MDMA or LSD. Anyone who does not correctly identify this substance may consume it relying on the tolerability criteria they believe they control and suffer an overdose or an interaction with other substances, both posing a lethal risk.
- It circulates without guarantees. Many experts have compared its consumption to the game of Russian roulette, as substances sold as Ephylone are often recycled from other doses or their content is of dubious origin.
- Its chronic use generates addiction. While it is a moderate addiction and may be milder than that of other substances, it is very possible to develop dependence on Ephylone.
Stopping Consumption Is Possible!
Avoiding and ceasing Ephylone consumption is key to not developing an addiction whose consequences can be devastating to quality of life. Since addictions or habitual substance use are never an isolated problem and are usually accompanied by other concerns, the best option to resolve the situation and avoid greater damage is to consult with a professional.
The specialists at CC Adicciones have achieved an 86% recovery rate among users thanks to the highest professional-to-patient ratio in Spain. A large team of psychologists, therapists, and counselors are made available to the affected individual as soon as they ask for help to ensure the best care and a personalized experience for each case.
The CC Adicciones model has proven highly effective as it works with both the patient’s illness and the family. In this way, the chances of success increase, and we can affirm with complete certainty that there is definitely a way out, always.
Contact us without obligation for any questions or inquiries, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible. You have at your disposal our 24-hour phone line and a convenient form where you can communicate with us for whatever you need.
