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Isopropylphenidate
Isopropylphenidate is a phenidate-class stimulant closely related to methylphenidate, with an isopropyl ester in place of its methyl ester.1 It became available in the UK as a novel psychoactive substance in 2015.2 Its effects are primarily described as functional stimulation, with little recreational potential and a longer duration of action than methylphenidate. It is reported to produce fewer physical side effects, although it has habit-forming potential.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold~7 mg
Light7-10 mg
Moderate10-15 mg
Strong15-30 mg
Heavy30+ mg
Duration
Onset30 minutes
After Effects1-8 hours
Total3-6 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of isopropylphenidate are often described as less uncomfortable and euphoric than ethylphenidate. They can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
The cognitive effects of isopropylphenidate can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage. The general head space of isopropylphenidate is described by many as one of mental stimulation, increased focus, and powerful euphoria. It contains a large number of typical stimulant cognitive effects. Although negative side effects are usually mild at low to moderate doses, they become increasingly likely to manifest themselves with higher amounts or extended usage. This particularly holds true during the offset of the experience.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Isopropylphenidate inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, increasing their functional concentrations. Studies using human transporters in cultured cells indicate a predominantly dopaminergic action, with weaker inhibition of norepinephrine uptake and much weaker inhibition of serotonin uptake.3 It does not induce monoamine efflux.
Pharmacokinetics
Isopropylphenidate is primarily metabolized by hydrolysis through carboxylesterase 1 (CES1)4, an enzyme highly expressed in the human liver, producing an inactive primary metabolite. It is a poor substrate for CES14, which may slow its metabolism.
Interactions
Interactions not written up yet
An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.
Tolerance
Tolerance not written up yet
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateClassified as habit-forming. Some users have already developed patterns of daily or near-daily use due to its functional stimulant profile, though this is not recommended given its research chemical status.
Toxicity
Acute cardiovascular effects including increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure occur during use; overdose could conceivably raise the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Seizure Risk
An overdose may plausibly increase seizure risk, although specific documented cases have not been identified.
History & Culture
A 2012 patent by John Markowitz of the University of Florida's Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research cited earlier work by Portoghese and Malspeis from 1961. The patent proposed isopropylphenidate as a treatment for ADHD and fatigue-related disorders.5…
Legality
By Country
Illegal4
United StatesIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986, codified at 21 U.S.C. §§ 802(32), 813, 841, and 84421222324252627282913031
Isopropylphenidate is not separately named in the DEA's federal controlled-substances list, but it may qualify as a controlled substance analogue of Schedule II methylphenidate under the Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986. If it satisfies 21 U.S.C. § 802(32), falls outside the statutory exclusions, and is intended for human consumption, § 813 requires it to be treated as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. In those circumstances, federal prohibitions cover possession, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, and possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense; a prosecution under § 841 also requires proof of the applicable knowledge element.
AustraliaIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Criminal Code Act 1995, ss 301.1, 301.4, 301.9 and 308.1, read with Criminal Code Regulations 2019, ss 11 and 14 and Schedules 1 and 2151617181920
Isopropylphenidate is not listed by name in the current Poisons Standard or the Criminal Code Regulations 2019. For Commonwealth Criminal Code Part 9.1, section 301.9 covers it as a drug analogue of methylphenidate because its oxygen-bound methyl ester group is replaced by an oxygen-bound isopropyl ester group, making it a controlled drug and a border controlled drug. Commonwealth offences cover possession, trafficking, commercial manufacture, import, and export; section 308.1 sets a maximum possession penalty of two years' imprisonment, 400 penalty units, or both. State and Territory law may impose additional rules.
CanadaIllegalIsopropylphenidate is expressly listed in Schedule III, item 2(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act under both its common name and the systematic identity isopropyl 2-phenyl-2-(piperidin-2-yl)acetate. It has been classified there since 5 May 2017. The Act prohibits possession, trafficking, possession for trafficking, import, export, possession for export, and production; possession, import, export, possession for export, and production are subject to authorization under the regulations.
United KingdomIllegalIsopropylphenidate is listed by exact name as a Class B drug in Part II of Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Subject to applicable regulations, its possession, production, and supply are unlawful. Permanent Class B control took effect on 31 May 2017; the Home Office also records it in Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
References
Citations
Article Status
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