Over-the-Counter Stimulants
A number of fairly powerful stimulants are available on the shelves of the drugstore and health food store. Among these are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine preparations and the compound phenylpropanolamine, which is commonly found in over-the-counter diet aids. These preparations are relatively safe if used as directed, but are often misused. Ephedrine and related compounds closely resemble amphetamines in chemical structure. Recent research has confirmed the ability of ephedrine to produce the same lever-pushing behavior that is seen in lab animals exposed to other addictive drugs.

Primary addictions to over-the-counter stimulants are uncommon but may be more prevalent than we know, since these drugs are not regulated and often doctors do not ask about them when taking medical histories. It is important that people who are recovering from addictions know that these compounds may trigger relapse or cause a problem with cross-addiction.

Elizabeth Connell Henderson, M.D.

Glossary

Appendix A: Regulation of Addictive Substances

Appendix B: Sources of Additional Information