Buphedrone, also known as α-methylamino-butyrophenone (MABP), is a stimulant of the phenethylamine and cathinone chemical classes that was first synthesized in 1928.[1] [2]
Buphedrone is a β-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 β-carbon) and an ethyl group replacing the methyl group at the carbon at the α-position relative to the amine. Another name for buphedrone is phenylacetoethyl-methylamine.
Buphedrone as free base is very unstable; it is prone to dimerization like other α-amino ketones. Because of this, it is sold as various salts, with a hydrochloride being most common.
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:
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:
As of October 2015, buphedrone is a controlled substance in China.[3]
Buphedrone is an Anlage II controlled drug in Germany.
In the United States, buphedrone is considered a schedule 1 controlled substance as a positional isomer of mephedrone.[4]