Fenethylline (Captagon) abuse: Case report and literature review

Abstract

IntroductionNovel psychoactive drugs (NPS) has rapidly increase in the last years in the drug market as a recreational use. Fenethylline is a theophylline, an amphetamine-like drug, having stimulant effects similar to those of other amphetamine-type derivatives. Fenethylline was used as medicament for hyperactivity disorders in children, narcolepsy and depression, but it has also been used as a drug of abuse under the common name of ‘captagon’. The purpose of this report is to review the clinical evidence for the potential of abuse of fenethylline. We propose a case report and literature review.MethodWe conducted a systematic review of the literature with the principal database (PubMed, Enbase, PsychInfo) and we present a case report.ResultsThe effects of fenethylline is characterized by euphoria, derealization, autopsychic and somatopsychic depersonalization, hallucination, agitation and decrease of pain perception.Discussion and conclusionThe primary drug market for fenethyline (as captagon) has traditionally been countries located on the Arabian Peninsula but also North Africa since 2013. To our knowledge, there is no report on the recreational use of fenethylline in literature. The clinical features of fenethylline intoxication were also similar to effects from other amphetamine-like drugs. In our case report, dissociative symptoms are the core of fenethylline intoxication. Further research is warranted to replicate our clinical and qualitative observations and, in general, quantitative studies in large samples followed-up over time are needed. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and suggestions for future research directions are considered [1,2].Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Jordanian University Students' Lived Experience of Misusing Amphetamine (Captagon)

“…There are legal and illegal amphetamines that come in tablet, powder, paste, liquid, or crystal forms. Legal amphetamines, which stimulate the central nervous system, are commonly prescribed for disorders such as narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Alcohol and Drug Information Service, 2017; Preve et al, 2017). However, university students use these drugs nomadically to induce ecstasy, improve energy, and reduce the need for sleep.…”