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Propylhexedrine Facts

Stimulant; Substituted phenethylamine; Alpha/beta adrenergic receptor agonist

Description

Propylhexedrine — sold as Benzedrex — is a synthetic stimulant of the substituted amphetamine class.[1] It releases norepinephrine and dopamine into synapses, producing stimulation and the modest euphoria that defines its appeal.[1]

Subjective effects include stimulation, euphoria, wakefulness, appetite suppression, a pounding heart, and profuse sweating. The cardiovascular strain is intense and the mental reward is modest and rough-edged, without the focus or clarity of amphetamine.[2]

Tolerance builds rapidly and dependence is documented;[3] the primary lethal risk is cardiovascular — pulmonary hypertension and sudden death.[4] Cardiovascular strain escalates with dose while euphoria plateaus, and the gap between a stimulant effect and organ damage is poorly defined.

Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies

Oral(mg)
Threshold< 10 mgLight30 – 60 mgCommon60 – 120 mgStrong120 – 180 mgHeavy180+ mg

Starts in 10 – 30 minLasts 4 – 10 hoursAfter-effects 2 – 12 hours

Body and dependence

Acute toxicity
High
Chronic toxicity
High
Physical dependence
Low
Psychological dependence
Moderate
Withdrawal
Mild
Compulsive redosing
Moderate

Tolerance

Builds
Rapid
Fully resets after
10.5 days
Carries over to
amphetamine; methamphetamine; methylphenidate

Effectslikely at a common dose

Perception
none likely · 3 possible, including Tinnitus
Body
Appetite suppression; Physical fatigue; Stimulation; Vasoconstriction; Wakefulness; +20 possible, including Heart rate perception changes, Insomnia, Dehydration sensation
Thinking
Cognitive fatigue; +12 possible, including Cognitive dysphoria, Compulsive redosing urge, Cognitive impairment
Feeling
none likely · 8 possible, including Anxiety, Anhedonia, Depression
Self
none likely · 9 possible, including Craving, Compulsive repetitive behavior, Ego inflation
Time
none likely · 1 possible

Who shouldn't take it

Absolute
MAOI use (within 14 days)
Relative
Cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension; Seizure disorder; Hyperthyroidism; Pheochromocytoma; Pregnancy; Concurrent serotonergic medications (SSRIs, SNRIs); Angle-closure glaucoma

Combinations61 recorded

Lethal (2)
MAOIs; Tramadol
Dangerous (27)
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist; Amphetamines; Caffeine; GHB, Baclofen; GHB, GBL; Local anesthetics; MDMA, Amphetamines; MDMA, MDA; NDRIs (Wellbutrin); NRIs; Opioids; SSRIs; Stimulants; 5-HTP, Tryptophan; Anticholinergics; Antipsychotics; Buspirone; Dopamine agonists; DXM; Ibogaine; Ketamine, DXM, PCP; Lithium; NSAIDs; Psychedelics; and 3 more, see full page
Caution (24)
See full page: psychedex.org/substances/propylhexedrine
Not graded (8)
Not listed never means safe.

Seek help immediately if

  • Chest pain; racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Very high body temperature; heavy sweating; hot, flushed skin
  • Severe agitation, paranoia, panic, or confusion
  • Severe headache; muscle rigidity or twitching
  • Seizures
  • Signs of stroke — face drooping, one-sided weakness, slurred speech
  • Difficulty breathing; collapse or unconsciousness

What to do

  1. Call emergency services for chest pain, overheating, seizure, or unresponsiveness
  2. Move them to a cool, quiet place and reduce stimulation
  3. Cool the body — remove excess clothing, apply cool damp cloths, fan them
  4. Keep them calm; reassure — panic worsens the cardiovascular strain
  5. If seizing, protect from injury (don't restrain); recovery position afterward
  6. Monitor breathing and be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR

Most stimulant overdoses settle with cooling, a calm environment, and time. The medical danger is hyperthermia, cardiac events (arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke), and seizures — get help immediately if any appear.

988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE

Version r1 · Not medical advice

References

  1. [1]
    ^abHandWiki contributors (2024) Propylhexedrine - Chemistry:Propylhexedrine (HandWiki) Link
  2. [2]
    ^Wesson DR (1986) Propylhexdrine [sic] — Drug and Alcohol Dependence PMID:2874970
  3. [3]
    ^Fernandez Julia P, Francis EM (2012) Propylhexedrine: a vintage drug of abuse, rediscovered — Journal of Psychoactive Drugs PMID:23061329
  4. [4]
    ^Anderson RJ, Garza HR, Garriott JC, Dimaio V (1979) Intravenous propylhexedrine (Benzedrex) abuse and sudden death — The American Journal of Medicine doi:10.1016/0002-9343(79)90063-9
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