Understanding Phenethylamines
Phenethylamine is a chemical structure that serves as the backbone for a vast family of substances with a wide range of effects [1.3.5]. This class includes naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the human body like dopamine and norepinephrine, prescription medications such as Adderall (amphetamine) and Desoxyn (methamphetamine), and numerous illicit recreational drugs [1.2.2, 1.3.6]. Due to this diversity, there is no single street name for phenethylamines as a whole. Instead, street names are specific to each individual drug within the class [1.5.6]. These substances typically act as central nervous system stimulants or hallucinogens [1.3.1]. Stimulants often mimic the effects of cocaine or amphetamine, while hallucinogens produce effects similar to LSD or mescaline [1.2.1].
Common Phenethylamines and Their Street Names
The street names for phenethylamines vary widely depending on the specific chemical compound, its effects, and regional slang. Many tablets sold on the illicit market under one name may contain entirely different drugs or a combination of substances, increasing the risk for users [1.8.2].
MDMA
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, is one of the most well-known phenethylamines. It is known for producing feelings of euphoria, empathy, and enhanced sensory perception [1.8.2].
- Common Street Names: Ecstasy, Molly, E, X, XTC, Beans, Adam, Love Drug, Clarity [1.2.3, 1.8.1, 1.8.3]
Amphetamines
This group includes amphetamine and methamphetamine. They are powerful stimulants that increase alertness, energy, and focus [1.5.6]. They are prescribed for conditions like ADHD but are also widely diverted for illicit use [1.3.3].
- Amphetamine Street Names: Speed, Uppers, Bennies, Black Beauties, Addies [1.2.3, 1.2.4]
- Methamphetamine Street Names: Meth, Ice, Crystal, Crank, Speed, Glass, Chalk [1.2.3, 1.2.4]
Psychedelic Phenethylamines (2C Series)
The "2C" family of drugs (like 2C-B, 2C-E, and 2C-I) are synthetic phenethylamines known for their hallucinogenic effects, often compared to a mix of MDMA and LSD [1.2.6].
- 2C-B Street Names: Nexus, Bees, Venus, Erox [1.4.2]
- 2C-E Street Names: Europa [1.2.1]
- NBOMe Series: These are potent derivatives of the 2C drugs, sometimes called N-bomb.
Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts")
These are a sub-group of phenethylamines designed to mimic the effects of cathinone, a substance found in the khat plant [1.5.6]. They are often sold deceptively under the guise of products like "bath salts" or "plant food" [1.9.2].
- Common Street Names: Bath Salts, Flakka, Gravel, Cloud Nine, Ivory Wave, Vanilla Sky, Bloom, Scarface [1.2.4, 1.9.4]
Mescaline
Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic phenethylamine found in certain cacti, like the peyote cactus [1.2.3].
- Common Street Names: Buttons, Cactus, Mesc, Peyoto [1.2.3, 1.2.4]
Risks, Dangers, and Legal Status
The use of illicit phenethylamines carries significant risks. Effects can be unpredictable, and what is sold as one drug can often be another, leading to unexpected and dangerous reactions [1.8.2]. Common adverse effects across the class include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, and agitation [1.4.1]. More severe complications can include seizures, hyperthermia (a sharp increase in body temperature), kidney failure, cardiac arrest, and death [1.4.2, 1.6.1]. Synthetic cathinones in particular have been associated with extreme agitation, psychosis, and violent behavior [1.4.2, 1.9.4]. In the United States, a large number of these psychoactive phenethylamines, including MDMA, Mescaline, and many synthetic variations like the 2C series and cathinones, are classified as Schedule I controlled substances. This designation means they have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment [1.8.2, 1.9.3].
Comparison of Common Phenethylamines
| Substance | Primary Effect Class | Common Street Names | DEA Schedule (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDMA | Empathogen/Stimulant | Ecstasy, Molly, E, X, Beans [1.2.3] | Schedule I [1.8.2] |
| Amphetamine | Stimulant | Speed, Uppers, Bennies, Addies [1.2.3, 1.2.4] | Schedule II |
| Methamphetamine | Stimulant | Meth, Ice, Crystal, Crank [1.2.3, 1.2.4] | Schedule II |
| Mescaline | Psychedelic/Hallucinogen | Buttons, Cactus, Mesc [1.2.4] | Schedule I [1.2.3] |
| Synthetic Cathinones | Stimulant | Bath Salts, Flakka, Cloud Nine [1.2.4] | Schedule I [1.9.3] |
Conclusion
Phenethylamines represent a broad and varied chemical family, from essential human neurotransmitters to potent psychoactive drugs. The answer to "What is the street name for phenethylamines?" is that there isn't one—there are hundreds. The names are as diverse as the substances themselves, with well-known drugs like MDMA ("Ecstasy," "Molly") and methamphetamine ("Ice," "Crank") being just a small part of a much larger, ever-changing landscape of synthetic compounds. The constant emergence of new derivatives, often marketed as "research chemicals," poses a significant challenge to public health and regulation [1.6.2]. The severe health risks, including the potential for overdose, long-term neurological damage, and death, underscore the danger of using these illicitly manufactured substances [1.4.2, 1.6.1].
Authoritative Link: For more information on specific substances, consult the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) fact sheets.
