Fenethylline
Fenethylline[edit | edit source]
Fenethylline, commonly known by its brand name Captagon, is a synthetic stimulant drug originally formulated in the 1960s. Intended for medical use to treat conditions such as hyperactivity, narcolepsy, and depression, it later fell into disrepute due to its highly addictive properties. Consequently, by the 1980s, fenethylline was prohibited in numerous countries.
History[edit | edit source]
Introduced in the 1960s, fenethylline was originally heralded as a wonder drug for ailments such as hyperactivity and depression. As its usage expanded, concerns about its addictive nature grew, leading to it being outlawed in several countries by the 1980s.
Usage in the Middle East[edit | edit source]
Despite its ban, fenethylline has gained significant notoriety in the Middle East, where it is illicitly produced and consumed. The drug's stimulating effects have been exploited by militants in the region, using it to endure prolonged periods of combat without fatigue.
Production and Cost[edit | edit source]
One of the factors behind Captagon's widespread illegal manufacture and trade is its cost-effective production method. Using ingredients that are frequently legal and straightforward to procure, the drug can be produced inexpensively. However, on the black market, its tablets can fetch prices as high as $20 each, making it a lucrative venture for illicit producers.
Effects[edit | edit source]
Describing the effects of Captagon, Lebanese psychiatrist Ramzi Haddad stated that it offers "the typical effects of a stimulant." Users experience sensations of euphoria, coupled with increased energy levels and alertness. This leads to heightened sociability (talkativeness), decreased appetite, and prolonged wakefulness.
Health Concerns[edit | edit source]
The use of fenethylline poses severe health risks due to its addictive nature. Chronic consumption can lead to physical dependency, and withdrawal can be a challenging and painful process. Moreover, prolonged use can have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
