Levomethamphetamine 3106346 225356032 2008-07-13T07:08:51Z C6541 6629538 /* Recreational Use */ {{Drugbox| |IUPAC_name = ''(R)-N-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine'' | image=Levomethamphetamine.svg | width=120 | CAS_number=537-46-2 | ATC_prefix= | ATC_suffix= | ATC_supplemental= | PubChem=1206 | DrugBank= | C=10 | H=15 | N=1 | molecular_weight = 149.2 | bioavailability= | metabolism = [[Hepatic]] | elimination_half-life= | excretion = [[Renal]] | pregnancy_category = | legal_status = [[Over-the-counter substance|OTC]] | routes_of_administration= Nasal Inhalation }} '''Levomethamphetamine''' (other names: l-desoxyephedrine, l-methamphetamine, levmetamfetamine ) is the l- [[stereoisomer]] of [[methamphetamine]], a [[sympathomimetic]] [[vasoconstrictor]] which is the active ingredient used in some over-the-counter nasal [[decongestant]]s. The common brand-name for levmetamfetamine in the [[United States of America|U.S.]] is the '''Vicks Inhaler'''<ref>[http://www.vicks.com/vapor-inhaler-info.php Vicks Vapor Inhalor] Ingredients Listing & Information Page. Accessed April 3, 2008.</ref>. In the U.S., the name was converted to levmetamfetamine from levo-methamphetamine to lower the risk of abuse of the decongestant preparation and to lessen the stigma commonly associated with methamphetamine. ==Chemistry== Levomethamphetamine affects the [[sympathetic nervous system]] but is not thought to be nearly as addictive or [[Central nervous system|centrally]] active as the d- [[stereoisomer|isomer]] of methamphetamine (dextro-methamphetamine, d-methamphetamine, d-desoxyephedrine, etc.) and only exerts [[vasoconstrictor|vasoconstricting]] effects used for decongestion.<ref>[http://www.uspharmacist.com/index.asp?show=article&page=8_1800.htm Topical Decongestants Not Requiring an FDA Warning ] US Pharmacist Vol. No: 31:07 Posted: 7/20/2006. Accessed via internet 04/03/08</ref> ==Side Effects== Common side effects include muscle [[tremors|tremor]] and stomach [[cramps]]. Other side effects include [[hypertension]] and [[tachycardia]]. ==Recreational Use== {{Unreferenced|date=December 2007}} Although levo-methamphetamine is only very mildly [[Central nervous system|centrally]] active (unlike [[methamphetamine|dextro-methamphetamine]], which acts mainly on the central nervous system), [[Recreational drug use|recreational drug users]] may abuse the inhaler preparation by cracking open the inhaler and then swallowing the cotton inside (as the cotton is soaked in levo-methamphetamine.) This gives the user a very mild "speedy" effect with a mild energy boost, similar to that of [[ephedrine]] or [[pseudoephedrine]]. However, particularly if a solution is made with the cotton in an acidic solution, the initial effects last for less than two hours, with minimal and transient mood lift and stimulation. Sometimes uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings can arise by ingesting the cotton, since the cotton is also soaked in [[menthol]] and [[camphor]]. Both [[menthol]] and [[camphor]] are analgesics and camphor is possibly lethal at high doses. A common practice in the early to mid 1950's that was similar was were people would break open [[Benzedrine]] inhalers; which contained freebase [[amphetamine]], and then either swallow the cotton <ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,935169,00.html? Bennies the Menace] TIME Magazine Monday, Jun. 14, 1954. Accessed Via Google 4/02/08</ref>or let it steep in a cup of tea or coffee, swallowing was reffered to as "popping bennies". ==References== {{reflist}} {{Amphetamines}} {{Psychostimulants, agents used for ADHD and nootropics}} {{Phenethylamines}} {{Stimulants}} {{Methamphetamine}} [[Category:Amphetamines]] [[Category:Sympathomimetic amines]] [[Category:Stimulants]]