Life Science Encyclopedia

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

  Its mechanism of action is similar to other appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine and dextroamphetamine. Chemically, it is the N,N-diethyl homologue 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

• 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

Severe

• Insomnia
• 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

• Methcathinone
• Methylenedioxymethcathinone

References