Fencamfamine

Fencamfamine (marketed under the trade names Glucoenergan, Reactivan) is a stimulant which was developed in the 1960s as an appetite suppressant, but was later withdrawn for this application due to problems with dependence and abuse. It is around half the potency of dexamphetamine, and is prescribed at a dose of 10-60mg, although abusers of the drug tend to rapidly develop tolerance and escalate their dose. Reactivan is still rarely used for treating depressive day-time fatigue, lack of concentration and lethargy, particularly in individuals who have chronic medical conditions, as its favourable safety profile makes it the most suitable drug in some cases.^[1]

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Pharmacology

Fencamfamine acts as an indirect dopamine agonist. It releases dopamine by a similar mechanism to amphetamines, but is 10x less potent than dexamphetamine at producing this effect. The main mechanism of action is instead inhibition of dopamine reuptake, more similar to that of methylphenidate. Also unlike amphetamines, fencamfamine does not inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase enzymes and so is somewhat safer.^[2] Some experiments also suggest a role for opioid receptors in the activity of fencamfamine, as low doses can cause paradoxical sedation, and some effects of the drug are blocked by naloxone.^[3]

Side effects

Side effects include: dry mouth, loss of appetite, restlessness and tremor.

Contraindications

Contraindications: should not be used in patients with heart disease, angina, glaucoma, thyrotoxicosis or in patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

References

1. ^ http://home.intekom.com/pharm/merckp/reactivn.html
2. ^ Seyfried CA. Dopamine uptake inhibiting versus dopamine releasing properties of fencamfamine: an in vitro study. Biochemical Pharmacology. 1983 Aug 1;32(15):2329-31.
3. ^ Planeta Cda S, Aizenstein ML, DeLucia R. Reinforcing properties of fencamfamine: involvement of dopamine and opioid receptors. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 1995 Jan;50(1):35-40.