Diethylpropion is a sympathomimetic stimulant drug marketed as an appetite suppressant. Chemically, it is the N,N-diethyl analog of cathinone. Its mechanism of action is similar to other appetite suppressants such as sibutramine, phentermine and dextroamphetamine. Diethylpropion is an amphetamine that stimulates neurons to release or maintain high levels of a particular group of neurotransmitters known as catecholamines; these include dopamine and norepinephrine. High levels of these catecholamines tend to suppress hunger signals and appetite. Diethylpropion (through catecholamine elevation) may also indirectly affect leptin levels in the brain. It is theorized that diethylpropion can raise levels of leptin which signal satiety. It is also theorized that increased levels of the catecholamines are partially responsible for halting another chemical messenger known as neuropeptide Y. This peptide initiates eating, decreases energy expenditure, and increases fat storage. It is used in the management of exogenous obesity as a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction.

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a d-amphetamine (d-AMPH) pro-drug used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). After oral administration, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to dextroamphetamine, which is responsible for the drug’s activity. Amphetamines are thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space. Most common adverse reactions in children, adolescents and/or adults with ADHD were anorexia, anxiety, decreased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, insomnia, nausea, upper abdominal pain, and vomiting. Agents that alter urinary pH can alter blood levels of amphetamine. Acidifying agents decrease amphetamine blood levels, while alkalinizing agents increase amphetamine blood levels. Needs to adjust Lisdexamfetamine dosage accordingly.

Cocaine is an alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. Cocaine is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake. Cocaine is addictive due to its effect on the reward pathway in the brain. After a short period of use, there is a high risk that dependence will occur. Its use also increases the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, lung problems in those who smoke it, blood infections, and sudden cardiac death. Cocaine sold on the street is commonly mixed with local anesthetics, cornstarch, quinine, or sugar which can result in additional toxicity. Following repeated doses, a person may have decreased the ability to feel pleasure and be very physically tired. Cocaine acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This results in greater concentrations of these three neurotransmitters in the brain. It can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and may lead to the breakdown of the barrier.

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug. Pseudoephedrine acts as an adrenomimetic and inhibitor of monoamine transporters. Ephedra sinica, a species of ephedra (ma huang), contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedra has been found to stimulate the nervous system, increase airflow into the lungs and constrict blood vessels. In combination with caffeine, ephedra appears to cause weight loss. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)), a synthetic, psychoactive drug also known as ecstasy that was used as a recreational drug. This drug acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic and exerts its effects in the brain on neurons that use the chemicals serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to communicate with other neurons. In spite of the presence of this compound in the List of control and forbidden compounds, it was studied in psychotherapy for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder. Initial results showed efficacy for the treatment approach, although further studies are needed.

Indatraline (Lu 19-005) is a non-selective monoamine transporter inhibitor that has been shown to block the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin with effects similar to those of cocaine. In vivo, indatraline produced behavioral effects suggestive of enhanced dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic activity in mice. Indatraline also substituted for a high dose of cocaine in rats trained to discriminate between a low and a high dose of cocaine, which demonstrates that indatraline produces cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects. Indatraline has been studied to block the action of methamphetamine and MDMA.

(R)-Norfluoxetine is a pharmacologically active metabolite of Fluoxetine that is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. (R)-Norfluoxetine was being investigated by Eli Lilly and Company for treatment pain and drug abuse, but future development was discontinued.

Talopram (Lu 3-010) is a selective inhibitor norepinephrine transporter belonging to the antidepressants of the thymoleptic group.

Oxidopamine (6-Hydroxydopamine) is an antagonist of the neurotransmitter dopamine with potential antineoplastic activity. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-HOD) can be taken up by selective adrenergic terminals, thereby causing acute degeneration of adrenergic terminals that leads to depletion of norepinephrine, and of dopamine in the dopamine-sensitive sites. This agent is auto-oxidated at physiological pH that leads to the formation of reactive free radicals, thereby leading to cytotoxicity in neural cells. 6-Hydroxydopamine is often used to induce CNS and sympathetic neural lesions that model aging and various nervous disorders in animal systems. The growth of C-1300 neuroblastoma was markedly slowed in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated mice. The growth of the A-10 breast adenocarcinoma was also significantly retarded in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated mice but the growth of B-16 melanoma was not affected.