Pemoline is a central nervous system stimulant. Pemoline is structurally dissimilar to the amphetamines and methylphenidate. Pemoline is generally considered dopaminergic, but its precise method of action hasn't yet been definitively determined. The interaction of pemoline with other drugs has not been studied in humans. The following are adverse reactions in decreasing order of severity within each category associated with pemoline: hepatic dysfunction, aplastic anemia, convulsive seizures, hallucinations, insomnia, anorexia and weight loss.

Rescinnamine is an alkaloid isolated from Rauvolfia serpentina and approved by FDA for the treatment of hypertension. The mechanism of rescinnamine is not established, but probably resembles that of reserpine. Rescinnamine approval was discontinued by unknown reason.