Dexamyl: Difference between revisions

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'''Dexamyl''' was a [[pharmaceutical drug]] that combined two active ingredients: [[dextroamphetamine]] and [[amobarbital]]. It was primarily used as a [[stimulant]] and [[anxiolytic]] medication. Dexamyl was produced by the pharmaceutical company [[Smith, Kline & French]] in the mid-20th century and was prescribed for various conditions, including [[depression]], [[anxiety]], and [[obesity]].
{{Short description|A combination drug used historically for weight loss and depression}}
==History==
 
Dexamyl was introduced in the 1950s and became popular due to its dual-action formula. The dextroamphetamine component acted as a central nervous system stimulant, while the amobarbital component served as a barbiturate to counteract the overstimulation and provide a calming effect. This combination was intended to balance the stimulating and sedative properties, making it suitable for patients with mixed symptoms of anxiety and depression.
'''Dexamyl''' was a pharmaceutical drug that combined two active ingredients: [[dextroamphetamine]] and [[amobarbital]]. It was primarily used in the mid-20th century for the treatment of [[depression]] and as an [[anorectic]] for weight loss. The drug was manufactured by the pharmaceutical company [[Smith, Kline & French]] and was available in tablet form.
 
==Composition and Mechanism of Action==
Dexamyl consisted of two main components:
 
* '''Dextroamphetamine''': A central nervous system [[stimulant]] that increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as [[dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine]]. This action results in increased alertness, concentration, and energy levels, and it also suppresses appetite.
 
* '''Amobarbital''': A [[barbiturate]] that acts as a [[sedative]] and [[hypnotic]]. It works by depressing the activity of the central nervous system, leading to relaxation and reduced anxiety.
 
The combination of these two drugs was intended to balance the stimulating effects of dextroamphetamine with the calming effects of amobarbital, providing a therapeutic effect for patients with depression and those needing appetite suppression.
 
==Medical Uses==
==Medical Uses==
Dexamyl was prescribed for several conditions:
Dexamyl was prescribed for several conditions, including:
* [[Depression]]: The stimulant properties of dextroamphetamine helped alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
 
* [[Anxiety]]: The barbiturate amobarbital provided a calming effect, reducing symptoms of anxiety.
* '''Depression''': The stimulant properties of dextroamphetamine were thought to help alleviate symptoms of depression by enhancing mood and energy levels.
* [[Obesity]]: The appetite-suppressing effects of dextroamphetamine made Dexamyl useful in weight loss treatments.
* '''Weight Loss''': As an anorectic, Dexamyl was used to suppress appetite in patients struggling with obesity.
==Mechanism of Action==
* '''Anxiety and Tension''': The sedative effects of amobarbital helped reduce anxiety and tension, making the drug useful for patients with these symptoms.
The dextroamphetamine in Dexamyl works by increasing the release of [[dopamine]] and [[norepinephrine]] in the brain, which enhances mood and alertness. Amobarbital, on the other hand, acts on the [[GABA]] receptors, producing a sedative effect that helps to mitigate the overstimulation caused by the stimulant component.
 
==Side Effects==
==Side Effects and Risks==
Common side effects of Dexamyl included:
The use of Dexamyl was associated with several side effects, which included:
 
* [[Insomnia]]
* [[Insomnia]]
* [[Nervousness]]
* [[Nervousness]]
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* [[Headache]]
* [[Headache]]
* [[Nausea]]
* [[Nausea]]
Long-term use of Dexamyl could lead to dependence and tolerance, particularly due to the barbiturate component. Over time, patients might require higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effects, increasing the risk of addiction and adverse effects.
* [[Addiction]] potential due to the presence of both a stimulant and a barbiturate.
==Regulation and Discontinuation==
 
Due to the potential for abuse and the development of safer alternatives, Dexamyl was eventually discontinued. The [[Controlled Substances Act]] of 1970 in the United States classified many amphetamines and barbiturates as controlled substances, leading to stricter regulations and a decline in the prescription of such combination drugs.
The risk of addiction and the development of tolerance were significant concerns, leading to the eventual decline in the use of Dexamyl.
 
==Historical Context and Discontinuation==
Dexamyl was widely used during the 1950s and 1960s. However, as the understanding of drug dependence and the risks associated with barbiturates and amphetamines grew, the medical community began to move away from such combination drugs. The development of newer antidepressants and appetite suppressants with better safety profiles also contributed to the decline in Dexamyl's popularity.
 
By the late 1970s, Dexamyl was largely phased out of use, and it is no longer available on the market today.
 
==Related Pages==
==Related Pages==
* [[Dextroamphetamine]]
* [[Amphetamine]]
* [[Amobarbital]]
* [[Barbiturate]]
* [[Smith, Kline & French]]
* [[Depression (mood)]]
* [[Depression]]
* [[Anxiety]]
* [[Obesity]]
* [[Obesity]]
* [[Controlled Substances Act]]
* [[Pharmacology]]


[[Category:Pharmaceutical drugs]]
[[Category:Combination drugs]]
[[Category:Stimulants]]
[[Category:Stimulants]]
[[Category:Anxiolytics]]
[[Category:Barbiturates]]
[[Category:Obesity treatments]]
[[Category:Obsolete drugs]]
[[Category:Discontinued drugs]]
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== Dexamyl ==
<gallery>
File:Dexamyl Amobarbital.svg|Dexamyl Amobarbital
File:D-amphetamine.svg|D-amphetamine
</gallery>

Revision as of 17:32, 18 February 2025

A combination drug used historically for weight loss and depression


Dexamyl was a pharmaceutical drug that combined two active ingredients: dextroamphetamine and amobarbital. It was primarily used in the mid-20th century for the treatment of depression and as an anorectic for weight loss. The drug was manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline & French and was available in tablet form.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Dexamyl consisted of two main components:

  • Dextroamphetamine: A central nervous system stimulant that increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This action results in increased alertness, concentration, and energy levels, and it also suppresses appetite.
  • Amobarbital: A barbiturate that acts as a sedative and hypnotic. It works by depressing the activity of the central nervous system, leading to relaxation and reduced anxiety.

The combination of these two drugs was intended to balance the stimulating effects of dextroamphetamine with the calming effects of amobarbital, providing a therapeutic effect for patients with depression and those needing appetite suppression.

Medical Uses

Dexamyl was prescribed for several conditions, including:

  • Depression: The stimulant properties of dextroamphetamine were thought to help alleviate symptoms of depression by enhancing mood and energy levels.
  • Weight Loss: As an anorectic, Dexamyl was used to suppress appetite in patients struggling with obesity.
  • Anxiety and Tension: The sedative effects of amobarbital helped reduce anxiety and tension, making the drug useful for patients with these symptoms.

Side Effects and Risks

The use of Dexamyl was associated with several side effects, which included:

The risk of addiction and the development of tolerance were significant concerns, leading to the eventual decline in the use of Dexamyl.

Historical Context and Discontinuation

Dexamyl was widely used during the 1950s and 1960s. However, as the understanding of drug dependence and the risks associated with barbiturates and amphetamines grew, the medical community began to move away from such combination drugs. The development of newer antidepressants and appetite suppressants with better safety profiles also contributed to the decline in Dexamyl's popularity.

By the late 1970s, Dexamyl was largely phased out of use, and it is no longer available on the market today.

Related Pages

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