Buphedrone
Buphedrone is a synthetic cathinone stimulant, the alpha-ethyl homologue of methcathinone, sold as a research chemical in the early 2010s. It is reported as a longer, more stimulating and less euphoric relative of mephedrone, with essentially no clinical data.
01 Overview
Buphedrone (alpha-methylamino-butyrophenone) extends the cathinone side chain by one carbon relative to methcathinone, giving a more purely stimulant, longer-lasting profile. It surfaced as a mephedrone substitute and was documented largely through forensic seizures.
Human pharmacology and toxicology are uncharacterised; knowledge is limited to non-clinical analysis and occasional intoxication reports. It has been scheduled in numerous countries under generic cathinone provisions.
02 Mechanism
Acts as a monoamine releaser and reuptake inhibitor with a noradrenaline/dopamine-weighted profile, consistent with its stimulant-dominant reported effects.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 25–50 mg | Oral | Anecdotal only. |
| Common | 25–75 mg | Insufflated | Faster, harsher onset. |
| Common | 50–125 mg | Oral | User-reported; more potent than mephedrone by weight. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| StimulationStrong, relatively long-lasting energy and wakefulness. | Anecdotal | ||
| Increased sociabilityTalkativeness and disinhibition. | Anecdotal | ||
| Mild euphoriaModest mood elevation, weaker than mephedrone. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsive redosingReinforcing stimulation encourages repeated dosing. | Moderate | Near-universal in binges | Anecdotal | |
| ComedownFatigue, low mood and insomnia after use. | Moderate | Near-universal | Anecdotal | |
| Cardiovascular strainTachycardia, hypertension and palpitations. | Severe | Common | Observational | |
| Unknown neurotoxicityLong-term neurotoxic potential unstudied. | Severe | Unknown | Unconfirmed |