Propylhexedrine
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Propylhexedrine
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| N,α-dimethyl-cyclohexylethylamine | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 3595-11-7 |
| ATC code | ?? ? |
| PubChem | 7558 |
| DrugBank | ? |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C10H21N |
| Mol. weight | 155.29 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | ? |
| Half life | ? |
| Excretion | ? |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
? |
| Legal status |
Unscheduled (US) |
| Routes | Nasal spray |
Propylhexedrine, also known as hexahydrodesoxyephedrine or dimethylcyclohexaneethanamine, is a sympathomimetic with varied medicinal uses, is an adrenergic compound used mainly to provide temporary symptomatic relief of nasal congestion due to colds, allergies and allergic rhinitis. Being a vasoconstrictor used to decongest nasal mucosa, it is administered by inhalation. Propylhexedrine is most commonly found in over the counter benzedrex inhalers. Benzedrex was first manufactured by Smith, Kline and French after the Benzedrine inhaler was changed in legal status.
[edit] Recreational use
These inhalers have been occasionally used by people for their stimulant effects which are believed by some to be similar to methamphetamine. This is done by removing the cotton rod from the inhaler and swallowing it. Another method involves using the cotton in an acid-base extraction to obtain pure propylhexedrine. Each cotton contains 250mg (quarter-gram) of propylhexedrine.
Propylhexedrine is of significantly less risk of being used recreationally than amphetamimnes. This is primarily because propylhexedrine has limited methods of use, unlike amphetamines. The abuse potential is low enough that neither the DEA nor the WHO consider it a drug of concern, unlike ephedrine or its salts. However, attempts to extract the drug from the nasal inhaler and then inject it have been known. Abuse by injection is dangerous and could result in death.
One effect of using propylhexedrine is the "high": the ability to stay awake despite a lack of sleep. It should be noted that, as with similar drugs, using propylhexedrine to keep oneself awake for extended amounts of time can lead to a temporary state of sleep deprivation psychosis during which an individual may experience hallucinations of all kinds as well as extreme paranoia, all common effects associated with sleep deprivation. The second effect is body tingles, which are simply waves of sensation that flow throughout various parts of the body. Some consider these tingles to be pleasurable. The third and perhaps most sought-after effect is a general state of well-being and happiness associated with stimulants. However, this effect is not as pronounced as that delivered by illegal stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine.
The effects vary from person to person. Some people may suffer adverse effects after using the drug, feeling sick and nauseated. As it is a vasoconstrictor, ingestion should be accompanied by plenty of fluids and possibly a full meal, which can help avoid the nausea and gastrointestinal issues. As with similar stimulants, it is possible to overdose on the substance.
It is important to note that eating cotton for any reason is not a healthy practice, and though not necessarily fatal, can still lead to gastrointestinal problems. Those who use propylhexedrine recreationaly would be wise to cut the cotton into many small pieces prior to ingestion, both to prevent choking and to aid the body in disposing of it.
[edit] Chemistry
Propylhexedrine is structurally similar to methamphetamine. The only difference is that the phenyl group of the methamphetamine molecule is swapped with a cyclohexyl group. It is because of this that propylhexedrine is not an amphetamine, nor even a phenethylamine.
[edit] See also
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