Propylhexedrine

Recreational use

These inhalers have been occasionally used by people for their stimulant effects which are believed by some to be similar to methamphetamine. This is done by removing the cotton rod from the inhaler and putting it in capsules, mixing it with soda or some other drink, and some occasionally swallow it. Each cotton contains 250 mg (quarter-gram) of propylhexedrine. An equally potent alternate method is soaking the cotton rod in acidic solution, such as acetic acid (vinegar), ascorbic acid( otherwise known as Vitamin C), citric acid, or even stronger acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, thereby forming a solution of active propylhexderine salt (for e.g. propylhexedrine citrate).

Propylhexedrine is of significantly less risk of being used recreationally than amphetamines. This is primarily because propylhexedrine has limited methods of use, unlike amphetamines. The abuse potential is low enough that neither the DEA nor the WHO consider it a drug of concern, unlike ephedrine or its salts. However, attempts to extract the drug from the nasal inhaler and then inject it have been known. Abuse by injection is dangerous and could result in death, which has been recorded.^[1] ^[2]

As with similar drugs, using propylhexedrine to keep oneself awake for extended amounts of time can lead to a temporary state of sleep deprivation possibly similar to an amphetamine psychosis during which an individual may experience hallucinations of all kinds as well as extreme paranoia, all common effects associated with sleep deprivation. The most sought-after effect is a general state of well-being and happiness associated with stimulants.

The effects vary from person to person. Many people suffer adverse effects after using the drug, feeling sick and nauseated. It is a vasoconstrictor, so ingestion can cause nausea and serious gastrointestinal issues, though the majority of the adverse effects are assumed to occur due to the cotton and what users call 'menthol burps'. Propylhexedrine has strong physical effects as well as it's mental effects, propylhexedrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate significantly and individuals that are currently on stimulants (prescription or not), taking an MAOI or have high blood pressure or otherwise cardiac problems should avoid propylhexedrine for recreational use. As with similar stimulants, it is possible to overdose on the substance and extremely unwise to combine with any other drug that raises blood pressure.

Eating cotton for any reason is not at all a healthy practice, and though not necessarily fatal, can still lead to severe gastrointestinal problems, which may require medical attention. Gastric blockages and even internal infection can occur if too much cotton is routinely ingested in a short space of time. On a less serious note, cramps, gas, and temporary constipation can also occur.

Chemistry

Propylhexedrine is structurally similar to methamphetamine. The only difference is that the phenyl group of the methamphetamine molecule is swapped with a cyclohexyl group. It is because of this that propylhexedrine is not an amphetamine, nor even a phenethylamine. It is most like methamphetamine in terms that it contains a methyl (CH₃) group in positions Rα and RN.