Amphetamines
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are used for the treatment of narcolepsy and for attention-deficit disorders in children. Methamphetamine (“crank,” “speed”), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “ecstasy”), paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), and several other amphetamine derivatives (see also “Lysergic Acid Diethylamide [LSD] and Other Hallucinogens”), as well as a number of prescription drugs, are used as illicit stimulants and hallucinogens. “Ice” is a smokable form of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine precursors such as phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, and other over-the-counter decongestants are discussed in Paraquat and Diquat. Several amphetamine-related drugs (benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, and phentermine) are marketed as prescription anorectic medications for use in weight reduction (Table II–1). Fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were marketed as anorectic medications but were withdrawn from the market in 1997 because of concerns about cardiopulmonary toxicity with long-term use.
Drug | Clinical Indications | Typical Adult Dose (mg) | Half-life (h)b |
---|---|---|---|
Atomoxetine c | Hyperactivity | 40–120 | 3–4 |
Benzphetamine | Anorectant | 25–50 | 6–12 |
Dexfenfluramine (withdrawn from US market in 1997) | Anorectant | 15 | 17–20 |
Dextroamphetamine | Narcolepsy, hyperactivity (children) | 5–15 | 10–12 |
Diethylpropion | Anorectant | 25, 75 (sustained-release) | 2.5–6 |
Fenfluramine (withdrawn from US market in 1997) | Anorectant | 20–40 | 10–30 |
Mazindol | Anorectant | 1–2 | 10 |
Methamphetamine | Narcolepsy, hyperactivity (children) | 5–15 | 4–15 |
Methylphenidate |