Ethylone (bk-MDEA)
Ethylone (bk-MDEA) is a methylenedioxy synthetic cathinone entactogen-stimulant, the beta-keto analogue of MDEA and the N-ethyl homologue of methylone. It was a common MDMA substitute in research-chemical markets, with human data limited to case reports.
01 Overview
Ethylone is a 3,4-methylenedioxy cathinone closely related to methylone, differing by an N-ethyl group. It produces MDMA-like entactogenic effects reported as somewhat weaker and more stimulant-leaning, and was frequently mis-sold as MDMA or "molly."
No controlled human trials exist. It is documented in forensic seizures and toxicology case reports, often in polydrug contexts, and is scheduled internationally under cathinone and methylenedioxy controls.
02 Mechanism
Acts as a mixed monoamine releaser and reuptake inhibitor with strong serotonergic activity from the methylenedioxy ring, giving MDMA-like entactogen effects with stimulant properties.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 40–90 mg | Insufflated | Harsh; not recommended by users. |
| Light | 60–120 mg | Oral | Anecdotal only. |
| Common | 120–250 mg | Oral | User-reported entactogen range. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entactogenic effectsEmpathy and emotional openness, weaker than MDMA. | Anecdotal | ||
| StimulationEnergy and wakefulness with a stimulant character. | Anecdotal | ||
| Increased sociabilityTalkativeness and social warmth. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsive redosingShort entactogenic effects encourage repeated dosing. | Moderate | Common | Anecdotal | |
| ComedownLow mood and fatigue for days after use. | Moderate | Near-universal | Anecdotal | |
| Cardiovascular strainTachycardia, hypertension and hyperthermia risk with exertion. | Severe | Common | Observational | |
| Unknown neurotoxicitySerotonergic neurotoxicity potential unstudied in humans. | Severe | Unknown | Unconfirmed |