Amphetaminil is chemically an alpha-phenyl-alpha-[(1-methyl-2-phenyl)-ethylamino]-acetonitrile (1), i.e. a derivative of alpha-aminonitrile. It was was developed in the 1970s in Germany and marketed under the brand name Aponeuron. Administration of Aponeuron proved useful in the treatment of children with hyperkinetic syndrome. The subtle and crude motorics improved, symptoms of hyperactivity disappeared and the general school performance of the child improved. Aponeuron was also used in the treatment of disorders of erectile potency, chronic schizophrenia and narcolepsy. In 1974 amphetaminil was included in the class of addictives or habit-forming drugs, although prescription of the drug is not requiring adherence to strict requirements. Nevertheless, it has largely been withdrawn from clinical use.