“Chemical Courage”: A Review on Pharmacotoxicological Aspects of Fenethylline (Captagon)

Abstract

Fenethylline (Captagon) is a synthetic psychostimulant drug was synthesized in Germany in 1961. It is a combination of amphetamine and theophylline molecules and having central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects similar to the amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). First it used as a milder alternative of ATS in treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, narcolepsy and depression in Germany and the United States (US). In 1981, Fenethylline classified as a schedule I controlled substance and was banned in the US because of side effects including hallucinations, psychosis and visual distortions. The drug became illegal in most countries in 1986 after being listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it is now a prominent drug of abuse in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Recently, the drug manufactured as street drug in clandestine laboratories with its original brand as called Captagon in EMR countries. Captagon promotes euphoria, feeling of wellbeing, fearless, insomnia, anorexia and even analgesia and it is emerging as a drug associated with war and terroristic acts in the Middle East by nicknames such as: “Jihadi pill”, “Jihad pill”, “Jihadist’s drug” or “Abu Hilalain” in Arabian countries. It is popular abused drugs in Middle East by soldiers, militants, combatants, terrorists and even civilians. The aim of this review is an overview of pharmacotoxicological aspects of Captagon and its current status as a abused drug in wars and terroristic attacks.