Benzedrine was the trade name for the first commercially marketed form of amphetamine, introduced in the United States in the 1930s. This powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant belongs to the phenethylamine class of compounds. Although initially sold over the counter as a decongestant, its primary function is to increase alertness and reduce fatigue by affecting chemical messengers in the brain.
Chemical Identity and Mechanism of Action
The chemical core of Benzedrine is racemic amphetamine, a mixture containing equal parts of two mirror-image molecules called enantiomers: dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Both enantiomers are active, though dextroamphetamine is considered the more potent component for psychological effects. The drug’s mechanism of action centers on its ability to dramatically increase the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain’s synaptic cleft.
Amphetamine molecules achieve this effect by acting as a competitive substrate for the monoamine reuptake transporters on the presynaptic nerve terminal. Once inside the nerve cell, amphetamine forces the release of stored neurotransmitters from their storage vesicles into the synapse, a process known as retro-transport. This action is distinct from many other stimulants that only block reuptake, as amphetamine actively pushes chemical messengers into the space between neurons.
The resulting overflow of dopamine and norepinephrine flooding the synapse is responsible for the drug’s characteristic stimulant effects, such as increased focus and euphoria. Levoamphetamine, the l-isomer, has a greater impact on the peripheral nervous system, contributing more to physical effects like increased heart rate. This combined action on both central and peripheral systems made the racemic mixture of Benzedrine potent.
The Rise and Fall of Benzedrine
Benzedrine was first marketed in 1933 by Smith, Kline & French as an over-the-counter nasal decongestant inhaler. This initial form allowed for widespread, unregulated access. Users quickly discovered that ingesting the amphetamine-soaked cotton strip from the inhaler produced a potent psychoactive effect, rapidly normalizing amphetamine use in the general population.
Its use expanded significantly during World War II, when militaries from both Allied and Axis powers issued amphetamines to their personnel. The drug was used to combat fatigue, sustain alertness during long missions, and boost morale, particularly among pilots and air crews. By the end of the war, American military production alone was estimated to be around 13 million amphetamine tablets per month.
Following the war, the drug transitioned into a popular civilian commodity, marketed for conditions including weight loss, depression, and chronic fatigue. The pills, often nicknamed “bennies,” were used by truck drivers, students, and housewives seeking energy and appetite suppression. As recreational use and misuse skyrocketed, the inherent dangers and addictive potential of amphetamine became impossible to ignore. The FDA ultimately limited amphetamine to prescription use in 1965, removing the over-the-counter Benzedrine inhaler from the market.
Effects, Risks, and Dependence
The immediate effects of amphetamine use include a surge of energy, increased wakefulness, and an elevated sense of well-being. Users often experience reduced appetite, heightened concentration, and exhilaration, contributing to the drug’s popularity as a performance enhancer. Physiologically, the drug acts as a sympathomimetic agent, mirroring the body’s fight-or-flight response by increasing heart rate and elevating blood pressure.
The risks associated with amphetamine use are significant, particularly with misuse or high doses, due to the strain placed on the cardiovascular system. Potential health consequences include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, which can lead to stroke or sudden cardiac death. Psychological risks involve severe anxiety, paranoia, and the induction of amphetamine psychosis, a condition characterized by hallucinations and a break from reality.
Tolerance develops quickly with repeated use, compelling individuals to take larger or more frequent doses to achieve the desired effect. This escalating pattern increases the risk of physical harm and the development of severe psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation can include intense fatigue, depression, anxiety, and extreme cravings.
Legal Classification and Modern Equivalents
Due to its high potential for abuse and severe dependence, amphetamine, the active ingredient in Benzedrine, is highly regulated in the United States. Under the Controlled Substances Act, amphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification is reserved for drugs with accepted medical use but a high potential for abuse leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.
While the trade name Benzedrine is obsolete, the core chemical structure remains a foundation for modern pharmaceuticals. Today, amphetamine is medically used to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Prescription medications like Adderall contain a mixture of amphetamine salts, including both dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Another common equivalent is Dexedrine, which is primarily composed of the more potent dextroamphetamine enantiomer.