Benzphetamine

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Benzphetamine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(2S)-N-benzyl-N-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine
Clinical data
Trade names Didrex
AHFS/Drugs.com Consumer Drug Information
Legal status Schedule III (US)
Pharmacokinetic data
Protein binding 75–99%
Identifiers
CAS number 156-08-1 YesY
ATC code None
PubChem CID 5311017
DrugBank DB00865
ChemSpider 4470556 YesY
UNII 0M3S43XK27 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:3044 YesY
ChEMBL CHEMBL1201358 N
Synonyms N-benzyl-N-methylamphetamine
Chemical data
Formula C17H21N 
Mol. mass 239.355 g/mol
 N (what is this?)  (verify)

Benzphetamine (Didrex) is an anorectic drug marketed under this brand in the USA by Pharmacia. Benzphetamine is used as a short term adjunct in management of exogenous obesity. It is closely related to amphetamine.

Pharmacology

Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine and is classified as an anorectic. The drug's main function is to reduce appetite, which in turn reduces caloric intake. Benzphetamine can cause vivid hallucinations if taken for the wrong purpose.

Although the mechanism of action of the sympathomimetic appetite suppressants in the treatment of obesity is not fully known, these medications have pharmacological effects similar to those of amphetamines. Amphetamine and related sympathomimetic medications (such as benzphetamine) are thought to stimulate the release of norepinephrine and/or dopamine from storage sites in nerve terminals of the lateral hypothalamic feeding center, thereby producing a decrease in appetite. This release is mediated through the binding of benzphetamine to VMAT2 and inhibiting its function, causing a release of these neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft through their reuptake transporters. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class.

Contraindications

Benzphetamine is contraindicated in patients with advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyper-thyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines, and glaucoma. Benzphetamine should not be given to patients who are in an agitated state or who have a history of drug abuse.

Controlled substance classification

Benzphetamine is unique in its classification as a Schedule III drug in the United States. (Most members of the amphetamine family are classified in the more highly-regulated Schedule II.) Benzphetamine is metabolized by the human body into amphetamine and methamphetamine, making it one of a number of drugs to undergo in vivo conversion to a substance of higher addiction and abuse potential.[1] Benzphetamine itself does not have as high abuse potential as its metabolites (Schedule III) because of the time necessary for the liver to metabolize it into amphetamine and methamphetamine, regardless of route of administration. This gives benzphetamine an inherent 'sustained-release' effect.[citation needed]

References

  1. ↑ Musshoff F (February 2000). "Illegal or legitimate use? Precursor compounds to amphetamine and methamphetamine". Drug Metab. Rev. 32 (1): 15–44. doi:10.1081/DMR-100100562. PMID 10711406. 

Antiobesity agents/Anorectics (A08)
Central
Drinabant§ • Ibipinabant§ • Otenabant§ • Rimonabant‡ • Rosonabant§ • Surinabant§ • Taranabant§
Others
5-HTP • Galactomannan (Guar gum) • Glucomannan • L-DOPA • L-Phenylalanine • L-Tryptophan • L-Tyrosine • Lorcaserin • Lu AA-33810 • Metformin • Naltrexone • Naloxone • Oxyntomodulin • P57 • Peptide YY • Topiramate • Yohimbine (Yohimbe) • Zonisamide
Peripheral

M: NUT

cof, enz, met

noco, nuvi, sysi/epon, met

drug (A8/11/12)

Phenethylamines
Phenethylamines
Amphetamines
Phentermines
Cathinones
Phenylisobutylamines
Phenylalkylpyrrolidines
Catecholamines
(and close relatives)
Miscellaneous
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