Amphetamine, Methylamphetamine and MDMA

Abstract

Amphetamine (1-phenylpropan-2-amine) and its N-methyl derivative, methylamphetamine (methamphetamine), are the prototypical synthetic central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They cause hypertension and tachycardia with feelings of increased confidence, sociability and energy. Both were first synthesised over a century ago and both found limited use as anorectics. Increasing domestic and international control from the early 1960s led to the emergence of widespread clandestine production and misuse of these substances. The worldwide illicit production and consumption of amphetamine and methylamphetamine show clear geographical trends. In Europe, particularly Western Europe, amphetamine is much more common than methylamphetamine but in North America and the Far East this situation is reversed. Compared to many drugs of misuse, their synthesis is straightforward, and their major precursors are under international restrictions. MDMA (N,α-dimethyl-3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenethylamine) is a synthetic substance commonly known as ecstasy. Originally patented in 1914 by the Merck chemical company, MDMA was intended to be an intermediate in the preparation of therapeutically-useful compounds. It is under international control and acts as a CNS stimulant, although more accurately described as increased sensory and social awareness (entactogenicity and empathogenicity). Illicit MDMA is often seen as tablets with a characteristic impression (logo).