“Mephentermine Abuse” an Age-old Concern with New Challenges: Review of Literature with Case Series

Abstract Mephentermine, a stimulant drug, is used as vasoconstrictor to maintain blood pressure in hypotensive states and shock, but due to its stimulant effects on the central nervous system, it has also been used for performance enhancement by athletes. Here, we discuss three cases where the patients had used mephentermine to enhance their work performance. Case 1: A male in his 30’s, presented with palpitation, headache, and hypertension after 1 year of use of mephentermine which he had started using with the purpose of increasing his work performance. Case 2: A 22-year-old male presented with depressive symptoms following a 3-year history of use of mephentermine after being suggested by peers to enhance performance at gym. Case 3: A 22-year-old male with 2-year history of mephentermine, presented with withdrawal symptoms, after being introduced to mephentermine by his peers to improve physical performance and difficulty stopping its use on his own. It was found that the purpose of mephentermine abuse in all three discussed cases was to enhance performance, either at sports or workplace, which gradually lead to physical or mental complications or withdrawal symptoms. It thus seems imperative to create awareness about the harmful and addictive effects of mephentermine to masses, and simultaneously limiting its easy availability.