A Historical Overview Upon the Use of Amphetamine Derivatives in the Treatment of Obesity

Relatively few medications are available for the management of obesity and all are indicated as adjuncts to increased physical activity, caloric restriction and lifestyle modification. Among different weight-loss drugs, the most intriguing and controversial class is the one of anorexic amphetamines, due to their high efficiency but also relevant side-effects. Several previously approved anorexic amphetamines like fenfluramine, phenylpropanolamine, phenmetrazine and sibutramine have been withdrawn from the market due to unanticipated adverse effects. Nowadays only four amphetamine derivatives are approved for short-term treatment of obesity: amfepramone, benzphetamine, phendimetrazine and phentermine. The article provides an overview of both the history, and the current status, of the use of amphetamine derivatives in the obesity pharmacotherapy.