Amfepramone (INN) is a stimulant drug of the phenethylamine, amphetamine, and cathinone classes that is used as an appetite suppressant. It is used in the short-term management of obesity, along with dietary and lifestyle changes. Amfepramone is most closely chemically related to the antidepressant and smoking cessation aid bupropion (previously called amfebutamone), which has also been developed as a weight-loss medicine when in a combination product with naltrexone.
Pharmacology
-Amfepramone-Structural_Formulae_V1.svg/354px-(RS)-Amfepramone-Structural_Formulae_V1.svg.png "Amfepramone")
Amfepramone itself lacks any affinity for the monoamine transporters and instead functions as a prodrug to ethcathinone. Ethcathinone (and therefore amfepramone as well) is a very weak dopaminergic and serotonergic, and is approximately 10x and 20x stronger on norepinephrine in comparison, respectively. As a result, ethcathinone and amfepramone can essentially be considered a member of the class of drugs known as norepinephrine releasing agents (NRAs).
Abuse
Amfepramone is believed to have relatively low abuse potential. but recently there have been reports of teens and adults in the UK abusing this drug, known as "tombstones" to the abusers.
Legality
Amfepramone is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. It is also a Schedule IV controlled substance in Canada. In the UK Amfepramone is a class C drug and as a medicine, it is a Schedule 3 Controlled Drug which requires safe custody. It's not US FDA approved.
Chemistry
- Propiophenone is brominated to produce α-bromopropiophenone.
- This is reacted with diethylamine to yield the product, diethylpropion.
See also
- Substituted cathinone