Pentedrone is a substituted cathinone with ties that induces similar, though not identical, effects as natural cathinone and other synthetic cathinone alternatives. It creates stimulant-like effects. Pentedrone is often sold as research chemicals or legal highs.
This post contains a research chemical review of pentedrone, including general information, history, dosage & administration, other user reviews, and potential side effects and is meant to inform, not recommend, potential users about the risks and benefits of pentedrone.
General Information on Pentedrone
Pentedrone (also commonly referred to as drone) is a relatively new iteration of a synthetic cathinone or substituted cathinone. It shares a similar chemical structure with naturally-derived cathinone from the African khat shrub, but was lab-synthesized for recreational use.
Drone is often distributed in the form of powder or solid crystals (that are often crushed into a powder by the user or left whole before administration). It often appears to be off-white in color or may contain a yellow tint. It’s often combined with other similar substances and may be labeled as fertilizer, research chemicals, or bath salts.
Like other substituted cathinones, pentedrone may or may not appear in drug testing results, depending on the type of test.
History of Pentedrone
The first reports of Pentedrone appeared around 2010, when the substance was detected in online markets. There’s little known about its true origins and where it was first synthesized, but it’s speculated to have been initially synthesized around the same time as similar, popular substituted cathinones like 2-MMC and Eutylone. It quickly became widely-used for its amphetamine-like effects and has often been mixed with other compounds to create designer drugs known as “bath salts”.
Pentedrone became an illegal controlled substance in several countries between 2010 and 2015, including Brazil, China, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, Pentedrone was specifically listed by the DEA in a temporary ban in 2014. Once the temporary ban expired, many states individually passed legislation to prohibit several classes of synthetic drugs, making possession and distribution of pentedrone a prosecutable act in some areas. Check your local laws before attempting to procure pentedrone to ensure it’s a legal drug in your jurisdiction.
Today, pentedrone is distributed primarily by online vendors, but it can also be found through individual retailers depending on the user’s location.
Dosage and Administration
Substance use, even with legal drugs like pentedrone, should be approached cautiously with an understanding of all risks and benefits involved.
The effects of pentedrone can differ based on:
- the dosage amount and frequency
- the user’s health, height, and weight
- the user’s previous experience with the substance
- additional substances used at the same time, including prescription medications
- the method of administration
- the user’s tolerance of this or similar substances
When administering any substance, use a test kit or strips to ensure the legitimacy of the drug and follow harm reduction protocols like sober supervision for the best outcome.
It’s recommended to start with a small dose initially and then increase the dosage as you become more familiar with the effects and the way your body reacts to pentedrone.
5-10mg per 100 lbs. of body weight is a typical dose for administration via the following methods:
Oral Administration
Pentedrone can be administered orally in several ways: in capsule or pill form, by mixing the powder with a drinking liquid, or by wrapping the substance in cigarette paper and swallowing it. The latter is colloquially referred to as “bombing” or “parachuting”.
Nasal Insufflation
Pentedrone can be insufflated nasally in powder form. This may have a shorter duration between initial administration and onset of effects than other methods of administration. This method may cause a moderate burning sensation that will wear off after several minutes.
Suppository Administration
As a suppository, pentedrone can be dissolved in liquid or encapsulated and inserted rectally to induce a faster onset of the desired effects. This method of administration typically doesn’t alter the effects of the substance.
Redosing
Pentedrone is often administered in several small, subsequent doses to increase the duration of the effects. When redosing, aim to use an equal or lesser amount than the initial dose until you know how the drug reacts in your system. It’s not recommended for users experiencing negative side effects to redose.
User Pentedrone Reviews
Research chemical reviews are often self-reported and should be taken anecdotally, not as evidence or fact. This pentedrone review is meant to impart information based on other users’ experiences and is not meant as a recommendation. The timelines and effects mentioned here are an approximation based on the self-reported experience of other users. Compared to similar substances, there is little documented use of pentedrone, and users should approach recreational use of this substance with caution.
Onset of Effects
Depending on the method of administration, expect effects to set in anywhere from 10-60 minutes. Though there are few user reports, there is a general consensus that the effects begin to set in slowly and then intensify before hitting peak effects.
Enhanced Focus
Users typically report elevated levels of concentration and focus when administering pentedrone, similar to other substituted cathinones and stimulants. This effect can last anywhere from 1-6 hours, depending on the method of administration, the dose amount and frequency of redosing, and the user’s tolerance to similar stimulants.
Suppressed Appetite
Many users report experiencing a decreased desire to eat and occasionally have difficulty eating under the influence of pentedrone. This effect is temporary and will wear off as users come down. Some users experience weight loss after repeated use due to a consistently decreased appetite.
Temporarily Enhanced Cognition
Some users report an enhanced ability to analyze thoughts and feelings, mild-to-intense introspection, and more rapid thinking after administering pentedrone.
Euphoria
Users report a mild feeling of euphoria in the mind and body, often comparing it to a “warm” or comforting feeling as a result of using pentedrone. Other users report increased empathy through the duration of the substance’s effects.
Anticlimax
Experienced users often report that the anticlimax or “comedown” when using the drone research chemical is milder compared to similar research chemicals, and some even report feeling no adverse effects as the stimulant effects wear off. Results may vary depending on the dosage, frequency, and user. Negative offset effects are associated with similar substances and could potentially be experienced. The anticlimax may begin to set in within 1-2 hours after the initial dose if no redose is administered.
Potential Side Effects of Pentedrone
As with any substance, there are potential side effects of pentedrone. Some of the potential side effects include (but aren’t limited to):
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Teeth grinding and/or jaw clenching
- Hypertension
- Hyperthermia
- Vasoconstriction
- Reduced appetite
- Increased perspiration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increased levels of agitation
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Death
If you experience severe negative effects, contact your local emergency department and let them know the dosage and frequency of pentedrone that you have self-administered to prevent reactions with other drugs they may prescribe to prevent further harm.
