Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
N-Ethylheptedrone (IUPAC name: 2-(Ethylamino)-1-phenylheptan-1-one), also known as N-ethylnorheptedrone, ethyl heptedrone or HEP, is a synthetic cathinone. It has been described as a crystalline solid.
WHO review history
N-Ethylheptedrone has not previously been reviewed by WHO and is not currently under international control. Information was brought to the attention of WHO that this substance is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on central nervous system
N-Ethylheptedrone is a synthetic cathinone with a chemical structure and pharmacological properties similar to those of other synthetic cathinones (e.g. N-ethylhexedrone, pentedrone) that are controlled under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
In common with other cathinone psychostimulants, N-ethylheptedrone has been shown to act via dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in the central nervous system to increase the concentrations of these neurotransmitters.
Adverse effects documented in a limited number of clinical presentations include agitation and tachycardia.
Dependence potential
No controlled studies of the dependence potential of N-ethylheptedrone have been reported in animals or humans.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Studies in animals demonstrate that N-ethylheptedrone has an abuse potential similar to that of methamphetamine and cocaine. No controlled studies on the abuse potential of N-ethylheptedrone in humans have been reported.
A single death was reported to have involved N-ethylheptedrone and other substances. Several clinical admissions were reported in two countries.
Seizures of N-ethylheptedrone have been reported in two regions.
Therapeutic usefulness
N-Ethylheptedrone is not known to have any therapeutic use.
Recommendation
N-Ethylheptedrone (IUPAC name: 2-(Ethylamino)-1-phenylheptan-1-one) is a synthetic cathinone with effects similar to those of other synthetic cathinones and other psychostimulants. There was, however, insufficient evidence of its use to constitute a public health and social problem to warrant its placement under international control.
The Committee recommended that N-ethylheptedrone (IUPAC name: 2-(Ethylamino)-1-phenylheptan-1-one), also known as N-ethylnorheptedrone, be kept under surveillance by the WHO secretariat.
ECDD Recommendation
To be kept under surveillance