Diethylcathinone

Overview
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 analog 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
 * 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