Substituted amphetamine

Substituted amphetamines are a group of chemical compounds based on the amphetamine structure. They are created by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms in amphetamine with different groups of atoms, called substituents. This creates many different types of compounds, including stimulants, substances that can change feelings and emotions, and hallucinogens that can change how a person sees the world.

Some of these substituted amphetamines are found in nature, like in the leaves of the Ephedra and khat plants. Amphetamine itself was first made in the late 1800s. By the 1930s, some of these compounds were used to help with cold symptoms and sometimes for their mind-changing effects. They work on the central nervous system in many ways, acting as stimulants, psychedelic substances, or entactogens, sometimes doing more than one of these actions at the same time.

Examples of substituted amphetamines include amphetamine itself, methamphetamine, ephedrine, cathinone, phentermine, bupropion, MDMA (also known as ecstasy), and DOM (known as STP). These compounds have been used for different purposes throughout history, from medicine to recreational use.

Partial list of substituted amphetamines

Prodrugs of amphetamine/methamphetamine

Many different prodrugs of amphetamine and methamphetamine exist. These include amfecloral, amfetaminil, benzphetamine, clobenzorex, D-deprenyl, dimethylamphetamine, ethylamphetamine, fencamine, fenethylline, fenproporex, furfenorex, lisdexamfetamine, lomardexamfetamine, mefenorex, prenylamine, and selegiline.

There are many prodrugs in the substituted amphetamine group. For example, benzphetamine is a prodrug that works to create dextroamphetamine and dextromethamphetamine.

Russian amphetamines

See also: List of Russian drugs

Scientists in Russia have created several versions of a brain-boosting chemical called amphetamine. These include alafen (a mix of amphetamine and another chemical called β-alanine), feprosidnine, gamofen (amphetamine connected to GABA), mesocarb, methylphenatine, pabofen (amphetamine mixed with PABA), phenatine (a mix of amphetamine and niacin), phenylphenamine (a version with a phenyl group), propylphenamine (with a propyl group), pyridoxiphen (amphetamine linked to pyridoxine), and thiophenatine (amphetamine with a thionicotinoyl group).

Structure

Amphetamines are a special group of compounds that come from a bigger family called substituted phenethylamines. By swapping out some hydrogen atoms in the basic structure, scientists can create many different compounds. Usually, these swaps involve adding methyl groups and sometimes ethyl groups at certain points, like the amine and phenyl sites.

History

Main article: History and culture of substituted amphetamines

Plants like Ephedra have been used for thousands of years to help with breathing and other health needs. People in places like Yemen and Ethiopia chew leaves from a plant called khat to feel more awake.

The chemical Amphetamine was made for the first time a long time ago, in 1887. It wasn’t until the 1930s that people learned about its effects. At first, it was used to help with things like colds and trouble sleeping. During World War II, it was used to help soldiers stay alert. Over time, these chemicals have been used in many ways, both to help people and, sometimes, in ways that are not safe. Some new versions of these chemicals became popular in parties and social settings, which led to rules being made to control their use.

Legal status