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.

Phentermine 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. The drug seems to inhibit reuptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, and seratonin through inhibition or reversal of the reuptake transporters. It may also inhibit MAO enzymes leaving more neurotransmitter available at the synapse. Phentermine (through catecholamine elevation) may also indirectly affect leptin levels in the brain. It is theorized that phentermine 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. Phentermine is indicated in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction. Phentermine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic amine with pharmacologic activity similar to the prototype drugs of this class used in obesity, the amphetamines. Actions include central nervous system stimulation and elevation of blood pressure. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance have been demonstrated with all drugs of this class in which these phenomena have been looked for.

Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant approved for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The drug is believed to bind the dopamine transporter in the presynaptic cell membrane, thereby blocking the reuptake of dopamine and causing an increase in extracellular dopamine levels.

Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid used for the management of acute and chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Oxycodone is a highly selective full agonist of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), with low affinity for the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and κ-opioid receptor (KOR). After oxycodone binds to the MOR, a G protein-complex is released, which inhibits the release of neurotransmitters by the cell by reducing the amount of cAMP produced, closing calcium channels, and opening potassium channels. After a dose of conventional (instant-release) oral oxycodone, the onset of action is 10–30 minutes, and peak plasma levels of the drug are attained within roughly 30–60 minutes in contrast, after a dose of OxyContin (an oral controlled-release formulation), peak plasma levels of oxycodone occur in about three hours. The duration of instant-release oxycodone is 3 to 6 hours, although this can be variable depending on the individual. Oxycodone in the blood is distributed to skeletal muscle, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen, and brain. Serious side effects of oxycodone include reduced sensitivity to pain (beyond the pain the drug is taken to reduce), euphoria, anxiolysis, feelings of relaxation, and respiratory depression. Common side effects of oxycodone include constipation (23%), nausea (23%), vomiting (12%), somnolence (23%), dizziness (13%), itching (13%), dry mouth (6%), and sweating (5%).

Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid used for the management of acute and chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Oxycodone is a highly selective full agonist of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), with low affinity for the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and κ-opioid receptor (KOR). After oxycodone binds to the MOR, a G protein-complex is released, which inhibits the release of neurotransmitters by the cell by reducing the amount of cAMP produced, closing calcium channels, and opening potassium channels. After a dose of conventional (instant-release) oral oxycodone, the onset of action is 10–30 minutes, and peak plasma levels of the drug are attained within roughly 30–60 minutes in contrast, after a dose of OxyContin (an oral controlled-release formulation), peak plasma levels of oxycodone occur in about three hours. The duration of instant-release oxycodone is 3 to 6 hours, although this can be variable depending on the individual. Oxycodone in the blood is distributed to skeletal muscle, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen, and brain. Serious side effects of oxycodone include reduced sensitivity to pain (beyond the pain the drug is taken to reduce), euphoria, anxiolysis, feelings of relaxation, and respiratory depression. Common side effects of oxycodone include constipation (23%), nausea (23%), vomiting (12%), somnolence (23%), dizziness (13%), itching (13%), dry mouth (6%), and sweating (5%).

Methadone, sold under the brand names Dolophine among others, is an synthetic opioid that is used as the hydrochloride to treat pain and as maintenance therapy or to help with detoxification in people with opioid dependence. Methadone hydrochloride is a mu-agonist; a synthetic opioid analgesic with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of morphine. Some data also indicate that methadone acts as an antagonist at the NMDA-receptor. The contribution of NMDA receptor antagonism to methadone’s efficacy is unknown. Most common adverse reactions are: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Avoid use mixed agonist/antagonist and partial agonist opioid analgesics with DOLOPHINE because they may reduce analgesic effect of DOLOPHINE or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

DL-Methamphetamine (also known as +/- Methamphetamin) is a central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to DEXTROAMPHETAMINE. The smokable form is a drug of abuse and is referred to as crank, crystal, crystal meth, ice, and speed. Methamphetamine is a mixture of two isomers. One isomer called Dextro, or D Methamphetamine, is active as a central nervous system stimulant and it is a DEA Schedule 2 controlled drug commonly called “Meth” or “Speed”. Desoxyn, a prescription drug also contains D Methamphetamine. The other isomer, Levo, or L Methamphetamine is not a DEA controlled drug. It is found in an over the counter medicine called “Vicks Inhaler” or as the prescription drug, Selegiline. (+)-methamphetamine is the more physiologically active isomer. In addition to some medications, L Methamphetamine can be produced in the illegal production of street Methamphetamine.

Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone. Benzhydrocodone is formed by covalently bonding hydrocodone to benzoic acid. Benzhydrocodone itself is not pharmacologically active, but must be metabolized to hydrocodone by enzymes in the intestinal tract to optimally deliver its pharmacologic effects. Hydrocodone is a full agonist of the opioid receptors with a higher affinity for the mu-opioid receptor. Upon binding, hydrocodone produces an analgesic effect with no ceiling. APADAZ a combination of benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen is FDA approved and indicated for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. APADAZ, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death.

DL-Methamphetamine (also known as +/- Methamphetamin) is a central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to DEXTROAMPHETAMINE. The smokable form is a drug of abuse and is referred to as crank, crystal, crystal meth, ice, and speed. Methamphetamine is a mixture of two isomers. One isomer called Dextro, or D Methamphetamine, is active as a central nervous system stimulant and it is a DEA Schedule 2 controlled drug commonly called “Meth” or “Speed”. Desoxyn, a prescription drug also contains D Methamphetamine. The other isomer, Levo, or L Methamphetamine is not a DEA controlled drug. It is found in an over the counter medicine called “Vicks Inhaler” or as the prescription drug, Selegiline. (+)-methamphetamine is the more physiologically active isomer. In addition to some medications, L Methamphetamine can be produced in the illegal production of street Methamphetamine.

Pethidine, also known as meperidine and Demerol, a narcotic analgesic that can be used for the relief of most types of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and the pain of labor. Meperidine is an opioid agonist with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of morphine. Most common adverse reactions were lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Pethidine has serious interactions that can be dangerous with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Pethidine can interact with muscle relaxants, some antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and ethanol.