Quick info

NEP (N-ethylpentedrone) and NEH (N-ethylhexedrone) are new psychoactive substances and belong to the class of synthetic cathinones. They are effective even at low doses. The effects of both substances are described as energizing, focus-enhancing, and stimulating. Compared to well-known cathinones such as 3-MMC or 4-MMC (mephedrone), the high is often experienced as “cooler” and more functional.

Effect

Dosage

Risks

Safer Use

Mixed use

Sex

Extender

LSD analogues

Synthesis impurities

Contents

Effect

The effects are described as highly stimulating, mood-enhancing, and boosting energy and concentration. Both substances ensure that the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine can remain active longer in the brain. This leads to the highly stimulating effect, which is often described as a mix between amphetamine and cocaine. They have only a weak effect on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is why the “sense of connection” associated with MDMA is largely absent. According to user reports, the effects include increased talkativeness, greater self-confidence, and heightened sexual desire. A very strong urge to take another dose is typical of both substances, especially when snorted.

Duration

Onset of effects:
Snorted: after a few minutes
Swallowed: after 20–60 minutes

Duration of effect
Snorted: approx. 2–4 hours
Swallowed: approx. 4–6 hours


According to user reports, the energizing and stimulating effect lasts significantly longer—especially when another dose is taken—and often leads to difficulty falling asleep

Dosage

The following information is based on user reports and has not been scientifically verified. Both substances are effective even in small amounts. There is a fine line between the desired effect and unpleasant side effects. Keep your dosage low and proceed with caution.


NEP (snorted)
Mild: 10–20 mg
Moderate: 20–40 mg
Strong: 40–60 mg

NEP (swallowed)
Mild: 10–25 mg
Moderate: 25–40 mg
Severe: 40–60 mg

NEH (snorted)
Mild: 15–30 mg
Medium: 30–40 mg
Strong: 40–50 mg

There is very little reliable information available on ingesting NEH. Proceed with extreme caution here. There is no evidence regarding rectal, smoked, or intravenous use of either substance. These methods of use should be avoided. If you do try them anyway, keep the dose as low as possible (about 50% of the amount you would snort)

Forms:
Crystalline, white to yellowish powder; less commonly available in capsule or tablet form.

Risks

Even at low doses, NEP and NEH can significantly increase the heart rate. Other side effects may include high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, constricted blood vessels with cold hands and feet, dehydration, dry mouth, increased sweating, teeth grinding, loss of appetite, temporary erectile dysfunction, as well as restlessness, anxiety, and paranoia (ranging from severe distrust to fear of being persecuted). At high doses or with prolonged use, psychotic states (loss of touch with reality accompanied by delusions or hallucinations) are possible.

The urge to take another dose (“craving”) is particularly strong, especially when one has a cold. As a result, people often take another dose too quickly and in excessive amounts, which intensifies the side effects and increases the risk of addiction. The comedown can be accompanied by anxiety, low mood, irritability, headaches, and a lack of motivation. Many users report long-lasting difficulty falling asleep after use.

NEP and NEH are new psychoactive substances that have been little studied. Little is known about exactly how they affect the body or what long-term effects they may have. The current state of knowledge is based almost exclusively on reports from users.

Safer Use

  • Very little is known about cathinones. When you use them, you’re therefore exposing yourself to unknown risks.
  • NEP and NEH are currently very often sold as 3-MMC or 4-MMC. Since both substances are effective even at lower doses, an overdose can occur without you realizing it. Drug checking can help determine the actual substance and its purity. If drug checking isn’t possible and you still want to use the substance, start with small amounts and gradually work your way up to the desired dose.
  • If you decide to use a substance, make sure to research the specific substance and the appropriate dosage as thoroughly as possible—and when using new psychoactive substances, be mindful of your overall mood and the environment in which you’re using it (set and setting).
  • Don't buy any product with a made-up name that doesn't list its ingredients. Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's safe.
  • Let your friends know what and how much you've consumed.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and get some fresh air every now and then.
  • Accept it when the effects wear off; don't take another dose right away. The urge to take another dose is particularly strong with NEP and NEH, especially when snorting.
  • Plan for the day after. The wakefulness phase usually lasts significantly longer than the actual effects, and trouble falling asleep for many hours is common. Therefore, don't use it on days when you have commitments, and create a calm environment to wind down.
  • Take regular breaks from use so your body can recover and to help prevent addiction. The strong urge to use more and the long sessions make NEP and NEH particularly prone to addiction.
  • People with high blood pressure, heart problems, hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney disease, or circulatory problems should not take stimulant-type new psychoactive substances.
  • Mixed use

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  • The combined use of NEP or NEH with amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, or other stimulants can place a heavy strain on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of circulatory collapse. In addition, these combinations carry an increased risk of heightened inner restlessness, as is typical for the combined use of multiple stimulants (“upper + upper”). This also significantly prolongs difficulty falling asleep.
  • NEP or NEH and GHB/GBL: These substances can mask parts of each other’s effects. When the stimulating effect wears off, the sedative effect of GBL/GHB can become unexpectedly strong. This creates an increased risk of severe sedation, potentially leading to loss of consciousness. In addition, the anxiolytic effect of GBL/GHB can temporarily mask the side effects of excessive use. This can lead to consuming more than intended, which further increases the risk of unwanted and harmful effects.
  • Alcohol and benzodiazepines are often used to help people fall asleep after consumption. This combination is risky because the stimulating effect masks the sedative effect, making it easy to consume too much. Benzodiazepines also carry a high risk of dependence, which is further exacerbated by regular use as a sleep aid.
  • Cannabis can intensify the psychotic effects of NEP and NEH. This increases the risk of unpleasant thoughts, feelings of anxiety, or paranoid states.
  • Combined use of 25x-NBOMe and 25x-NBOH can lead to excessive stimulation, including panic attacks, seizures, racing thoughts, elevated blood pressure, and vasoconstriction, and in severe cases, can lead to heart failure.
  • Do not take tramadol if you are using stimulants. Tramadol and stimulants can both trigger strokes, which increases the risk.
  • Other potentially harmful combinations cannot be ruled out, as there is no scientifically sound information on interactions with cathinones.
  • Extender

    NEP and NEH are currently often mistakenly sold as 3-MMC or 4-MMC. Anyone expecting 3-MMC or 4-MMC may therefore unknowingly consume one of these two stronger cathinones and inadvertently take too much. This situation stems from the volatile cathinone market since 2022, where inexpensive, poorly researched substances are constantly being sold under the names of better-known substances. The actual content can only be reliably determined through drug testing. Therefore, be sure to have your substances analyzed.

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    Emergency

    If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
    It could save lives.

    Things to know

    There are no current articles on this substance

    Current warnings

    There are no current warnings for this substance

    Advisory service