Amfepramone: Effects, Uses & Risks

Amfepramone is an indirect alpha-sympathomimetic and is used in Germany as an appetite suppressant. Because of a not inconsiderable potential for abuse, the active ingredient is prescribed only in urgent cases for a short time for the supportive treatment of obesity. What is amfepramone? Because of a not insignificant potential for abuse, the drug is … Amfepramone: Effects, Uses & Risks

Cocaine: Effects, Uses & Risks

The drug cocaine is considered one of the strongest stimulants: it lifts the mood, makes awake and powerful. And it is dangerous. What is cocaine? The drug affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush (Erythroxylum coca). It thrives primarily on the Andean slopes of Colombia, Bolivia … Cocaine: Effects, Uses & Risks

Sugar Addiction

Symptoms People with sugar addiction are dependent on foods high in sugar and exhibit daily and uncontrolled consumption. Sugar addiction can manifest as dependence, tolerance, binge eating, craving, and withdrawal symptoms. Sugary foods are also consumed as sedatives, for stress relief, fatigue, tension and mood disorders. Possible negative consequences include tooth decay, gum problems, mood … Sugar Addiction

Neurotransmitters: Structure, Function & Diseases

Neurotransmitters are something like the couriers of our body. They are biochemical substances that have the task of transmitting signals from one nerve cell (neuron) to the next. Without neurotransmitters, the control of our body would be completely impossible. What are neurotransmitters? The term neurotransmitter already describes the usefulness of these messenger substances very well, … Neurotransmitters: Structure, Function & Diseases

Entacapon

Products Entacapone was commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Comtan). It was approved in many countries since 1999. In 2017, distribution was discontinued. A fixed combination with levodopa and carbidopa has also been available since 2004 (Stalevo). Generic versions of the combination drug were approved in 2014. Structure and properties Entacapone (C14H15N3O5, Mr … Entacapon

Hydroxylation: Function, Role & Diseases

Hydroxylations are chemical reactions that involve the introduction of hydroxyl groups into a molecule. In the context of metabolism, enzymes provide the catalysis of hydroxylations. The corresponding enzymes are called hydroxylases. What is hydroxylation? In the context of metabolism, enzymes provide catalysis of hydroxylations. The corresponding enzymes are called hydroxylases. Hydroxylations are very common in … Hydroxylation: Function, Role & Diseases

Amphetamines

Products Amphetamines are commercially available as drugs in the form of tablets, sustained-release tablets, capsules, and sustained-release capsules. Structure and properties Amphetamines are derivatives of amphetamine. It is a methylphenethylamine structurally related to endogenous monoamines and stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Amphetamines are racemates and the –enantiomers. Effects Amphetamines have sympathomimetic, central stimulant, bronchodilator, psychoactive, … Amphetamines

Benserazide

Products Benserazide is commercially available in fixed combination with levodopa in tablet and capsule form (Madopar). It has been approved in many countries since 1973. Structure and properties Benserazide (C10H15N3O5, Mr = 257.2 g/mol) is a racemate. It exists as benserazide hydrochloride, a white to yellowish-white or orange-white crystalline powder that is readily soluble in … Benserazide

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Products Gammahydroxybutyrate is commercially available as an oral solution (Xyrem). It has been approved in many countries since 2006. The drug belongs to narcotics and requires an aggravated prescription. GHB is also known to be manufactured and trafficked illegally. Structure and properties The free γ-hydroxybutyric acid (C4H8O3, Mr = 104.1 g/mol) is a colorless and … Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)