Pharmacogenomics of amphetamine and related drugs

Abstract

Illicit psychostimulant drugs such as amphetamines and derivatives represent a highly addictive class of compounds. Included in this group are L-amphetamine, ephedrine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate and pemoline, the latter used previously to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. An additional compound also frequently included in this group is cathinone which is the active ingredient found in the leaves of the Khat shrub (Catha edulis) found primarily in East Africa and southern Arabia. Cathinone is easily extracted from fresh leaves of the Khat shrub upon chewing or following brewing and produces effects that are similar to that of amphetamine.