Benzphetamine is a sympathomimetic agent with properties similar to dextroamphetamine. It is used in the management of exogenous obesity as a short term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction in patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher who have not responded to appropriate weight reducing regimen (diet and/or exercise) alone. Presumably, benzphetamine produces its effects through mechanisms similar to amphetamine via induces synaptic vesicular amine transporter, but precise mechanism of action of benzphetamine is not known.

Subitramine is a potent inhibitor of monoamines (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline) reuptake that was approved by FDA for the treatmen of obesity. Sibutramine is metabolized to metabolites M1 and M2 which are more active toward the monoamine transporters.The drug was withdrawn from the market because of clinical trial data indicating an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It was sold under a variety of brand names including Reductil, Meridia and Sibutrex.