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    Benzphetamine molecular structure

    Benzphetamine Stats & Data

    Stimulant
    Didrex Regimex Inapetyl
    PubChem CID 5311017
    NPS DataHub
    MW239.36
    FormulaC17H21N
    CAS156-08-1
    IUPAC(2S)-N-benzyl-N-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-amine
    SMILESCC(Cc1ccccc1)N(C)Cc1ccccc1
    InChIKeyYXKTVDFXDRQTKV-HNNXBMFYSA-N
    Phenethylamines; 2020/1. Von 2-Phenethylamin abgeleitete Verbindungen; 2021/1. Von 2-Phenethylamin abgeleitete Verbindungen; 2022/1. Von 2-Phenethylamin abgeleitete Verbindungen
    Chemical Class Amphetamine
    Psychoactive Class Stimulant
    Half-Life 16–31 hours (parent drug); active metabolites may extend subjective effects

    Pharmacology

    DrugBank
    Half-life 16 to 31 hours Protein binding 75-99% State Solid

    Description

    A sympathomimetic agent with properties similar to dextroamphetamine. It is used in the treatment of obesity. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1222)

    Mechanism of Action

    The mechanism of action of these drugs is not fully understood, however it may be similar to that of amphetamines. Amphetamines stimulate noepinephrine and dopamine release in nerve endings in the lateral hypothalamic feeding centre, decreasing appetite. This release is mediated by the binding of benzphetamine to centrally located adrenergic receptors.

    Pharmacodynamics

    Benzphetamine, a phenylalkylamin, is related to amphetamine both chemically and pharmacologically. It is an anorectic agent indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for.

    Metabolism

    Hepatic. Benzphetamine's metabolites include amphetamine and methamphetamine.

    Absorption

    Readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract and buccal mucosa. It Is resistant to metabolism by monoamine oxidase.

    Indication

    For the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction

    Toxicity

    PubChem DrugBank

    Benzphetamine is a centrally acting antiobesity agent. Benzphetamine is a clear liquid which is insoluble in water. 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 in the lateral hypothalamic feeding center, thereby producing a decrease in appetite.

    LD50

    • LD50: 160 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (A308)

    Carcinogenicity

    No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

    Liver injury risk

    No documented concern

    FDA LiverTox / DILIrank. Reflects published case reports of liver injury, not absolute risk.

    Health effects (PubChem excerpts)

    Using large amounts of these drugs can result in a condition known as amphetamine psychosis -- which can result in auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations, intense paranoia, irrational thoughts and beliefs, delusions, and mental confusion.

    Effect Profile

    Curated + 4 Reports
    Stimulant 5.9

    Strong anxiety/jitters and focus with moderate euphoria, mild stimulation

    Stimulation / Energy×3
    5
    Euphoria / Mood Lift×2
    7
    Focus / Productivity×2
    9
    Anxiety / Jitters×1
    10
    Based on reports from:
    Erowid Experience Reports PsychonautWiki Benzphetamine

    Tolerance & Pharmacokinetics

    drugs.wiki
    Half-Life
    16–31 hours (parent drug); active metabolites may extend subjective effects
    Addiction Potential
    Moderate. Benzphetamine is an amphetamine-class anorectic with abuse and psychological dependence potential; tolerance and tachyphylaxis can develop within weeks with repeated use.

    Tolerance Decay

    Half tolerance 3d Baseline ~21d

    Tolerance to anorectic and euphoric effects develops quickly (days–weeks) with repeated use; cross-tolerance likely across amphetamine-class stimulants. Empirical timelines vary; conservative spacing (≥2–3 weeks) reduces rapid tolerance escalation.

    Experience Report Analysis

    Erowid
    4 Reports
    2000–2012 Date Range
    1 Effects Detected

    Demographics

    Gender Distribution

    Reports Over Time

    Effect Analysis

    Erowid

    Effects aggregated from 4 experience reports (4 Erowid)

    4 Reports
    1 Effects Detected
    1 Positive
    0 Adverse
    0 Neutral

    Effect Sentiment Distribution

    Confidence Distribution

    Positive Effects 1

    Stimulation 75.0% 70%

    Adverse Effects 0

    Real-World Dose Distribution

    62K Doses

    From 6 individual dose entries

    Form / Preparation

    Most common forms and preparations reported

    Read full reports on Erowid →

    Harm Reduction

    drugs.wiki

    - Hepatic metabolism yields amphetamine and methamphetamine as active metabolites; this can prolong stimulation and cause positive urine drug screens for both analytes. Plan accordingly if subject to testing. Source: DrugBank DB00865 indicates metabolites include amphetamine and methamphetamine.

    - Parent-drug half-life is long (approximately 16–31 hours), so insomnia and residual stimulation are common the day after; avoid evening dosing to reduce sleep disruption. Source: DrugBank DB00865.

    - Combining amphetamine-class stimulants with non-selective MAOIs can precipitate severe hypertensive crisis; a clinically significant washout (usually 2 weeks for irreversible MAOIs) is standard medical practice. Source: Erowid-linked medical review discussing psychostimulant–MAOI crises; class-consistent guidance.

    - Concurrent serotonergic drugs (SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs, tramadol, St John’s wort) raise serotonin-toxicity risk when added to amphetamine-like agents; risk is higher with serotonergic releasers but caution is warranted across the class. Source: Erowid medical review; class inference to benzphetamine.

    - Urinary pH strongly modulates amphetamine-class elimination: alkalinization increases reabsorption and lengthens effect duration; acidification speeds clearance. Practical implication: antacids may unexpectedly intensify/prolong effects. Source: Erowid medical review (urinary pH effect for amphetamines/MDMA/methamphetamine); applied to benzphetamine as an amphetamine-class agent.

    - Limit caffeine; DrugBank lists a food interaction advising reduced caffeine intake due to additive stimulation and cardiovascular effects.

    - Antihypertensive therapy may be blunted while on stimulants; monitor BP more closely if prescribed BP medications. Source: Erowid medical review on psychostimulants and antihypertensives.

    - Protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) and other strong CYP inhibitors have produced dangerous increases in methamphetamine/MDMA exposure; as benzphetamine is hepatically metabolized and yields related actives, avoid such combinations. This is a class-based caution with case reports for methamphetamine/MDMA. Source: Erowid medical review; inference to benzphetamine.

    - Pregnancy and lactation: amphetamine-type stimulants and methamphetamine concentrate in breast milk at multiples of plasma; infant irritability and serious adverse outcomes are reported. Given benzphetamine’s active metabolites, avoid during breastfeeding, and seek medical guidance. Source: NCBI Bookshelf lactation guidance for methamphetamine.

    - Cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and agitated states are typical contraindications for amphetamine anorectics; users with risk factors (e.g., personal/family history of arrhythmia) should avoid non-medical use. Source: class pharmacology summaries; DrugBank highlights pressor effects.

    - Avoid polydrug ‘push-pull’ combinations (stimulant + depressant) that mask intoxication, increase redose compulsion, and raise risk-taking; ensure hydration and cooling during exertion to mitigate hyperthermia risk seen with strong stimulants.

    References

    Drugs.wiki References

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