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Diethylcathinone


Overview

Overview

Diethylcathinone (also called Diethylpropion and Amfepramone), is a sympathomimetic stimulant drug marketed as an appetite suppressant. It is sold under the brand name Tenuate or Tenuate Dospan, and may also be known as Amfepramone. The popular antidepressant, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an analogue of this chemical. Both diethylpropion and bupropion have a stimulant effect on the CNS.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Its mechanism of action is similar to other appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine and dextroamphetamine. Chemically, it is the N,N-diethyl analog of cathinone and dimethylcathinone. Diethylpropion is manufactured in 25 mg tablets and 75 mg controlled-release tablets (Tenuate®, Tepanil Ten-Tab®). Diethylpropion is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.

It is also used in the treatment of migraine (off-label).

Contraindications

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines
  • Advanced arteriosclerosis or symptomatic cardiovascular disease
  • Moderate or severe hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • History of drug abuse
  • MAO inhibitor use (within 14 days)
Side effects

Side effects

Severe
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Psychosis
Cardiovascular
  • Tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmia, chest pain
Ear, nose, and throat
  • Xerostomia, metallic taste
Endocrine
  • Changes in libido, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities
Eye
  • Blurred vision
Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea/vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramps
Hematological
  • Bone marrow depression, agranulocytosis, leukopenia
Neurological
  • Tremor
Psychological
  • Euphoria, agitation, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, anxiety, headache, mental depression, seizures
Skin
  • Rash, hives, alopecia, ecchymosis
Urogenital and reproductive
  • Changes in libido, impotence
See also

See also

References

References


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