
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that has been used in the past as a treatment for obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Due to its addictive nature, it has also been abused as a recreational drug. In the 1950s and 1960s, a popular diet pill in America called Obetrol contained a combination of amphetamine and methamphetamine salts. In 1970, the FDA issued an order requiring new drug applications for previously approved amphetamine products, and in 1973, the FDA withdrew approval for Obetrol. Today, methamphetamine is not commonly prescribed for weight loss due to its potential for abuse and serious side effects, including sudden death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet pills with methamphetamine | Obetrol, Adderall |
| Obetrol | A combination of amphetamine mixed salts and methamphetamine |
| Obetrol approval | Approved by the U.S. FDA in 1960 |
| Obetrol use | Treatment of exogenous obesity |
| Obetrol availability | 10 mg and 20 mg tablets |
| FDA order | Required new drug applications for previously approved amphetamine products in 1970 |
| FDA criticism | Amphetamine and methamphetamine mixtures considered a combination drug |
| FDA action | Withdrew approval for Obetrol in 1973 |
| Obetrol after FDA withdrawal | Rexar reformulated Obetrol to exclude methamphetamine salts |
| Adderall | Obetrol's new formulation was rebranded as Adderall by Richwood |
| Adderall approval | Gained FDA approval for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 1996 |
| Methamphetamine use | Part of a treatment program for ADHD and weight loss in obese individuals |
| Methamphetamine side effects | May cause sudden death, heart attack, stroke, agitation, hallucinations, fever, confusion, fast heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness, nausea, etc. |
| Methamphetamine risks | Habit-forming, may lead to addiction, and cause serious heart problems or sudden death if overused |
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What You'll Learn
- Obetrol, a diet pill containing methamphetamine, was approved by the FDA in 1960
- The FDA withdrew approval for Obetrol in 1973 due to vague and incomplete research
- Diet pills can metabolize into d-methamphetamine
- Methamphetamine is used to treat ADHD and is also prescribed for short-term weight loss
- Methamphetamine is highly addictive and can cause serious side effects, including sudden death

Obetrol, a diet pill containing methamphetamine, was approved by the FDA in 1960
Obetrol was a popular diet pill in America in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a brand name for a drug combining several amphetamine salts, including methamphetamine, indicated for the treatment of exogenous obesity. The original formulation of amphetamine mixed salts and methamphetamine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 19, 1960.
Obetrol was available in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths and was marketed through Obetrol Pharmaceuticals, a division of the American pharmaceutical company Rexar. When sold directly to physicians, it used the brand name Oby-Rex. In the 1950s, Obetrol was manufactured by Obetrol Pharmaceuticals in Brooklyn, New York. The company later became a division of Rexar Pharmacal Corporation, which was also headquartered in Brooklyn.
The availability of methamphetamine-based medications in the 1960s led to their use and abuse as recreational drugs. Obetrol was also used as a recreational drug by many, including Andy Warhol, who received a prescription for it in 1963. The widespread consumption of Obetrol helped to highlight the addictive nature of amphetamines and their negative health effects, such as psychosis, hallucinations, and death.
In 1970, the FDA issued an order requiring new drug applications for previously approved amphetamine products. The FDA was critical of combinations of amphetamines and non-amphetamines and required the ingredients to be effective and safe individually and in combination. As a result, Rexar reformulated Obetrol to exclude methamphetamine salts and continued to sell this new formulation under the same brand name. In September 1973, the FDA withdrew approval for Obetrol, citing vague and incomplete research submitted by the company.
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The FDA withdrew approval for Obetrol in 1973 due to vague and incomplete research
Obetrol was a popular diet pill in America in the 1950s and 1960s. The drug was a combination of several amphetamine salts and methamphetamine, indicated for the treatment of exogenous obesity. It was originally sold by the American company Obetrol Pharmaceuticals and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 19, 1960.
In 1970, the FDA issued an order requiring new drug applications for previously approved amphetamine products. The FDA was critical of combinations of amphetamines and non-amphetamines, and required the ingredients to be effective and safe individually and in combination.
In September 1973, the FDA withdrew approval for Obetrol under the FDA Drug Efficacy Study Implementation program. The FDA cited that the research submitted was vague, subjective, lacking controls or poorly controlled, incomplete, and did not test individual ingredients. The FDA Commissioner ruled that "Obetrol Tablets should be withdrawn on the basis of a lack of substantial evidence of effectiveness and lack of proof of safety."
Despite the drug being banned and removed from the FDA's list of approved drug products in 1973, the manufacturer continued to market Obetrol in the United States. In 1982, the FDA inspected the manufacturer and found that they were marketing the drug without an approved New Drug Application (NDA). However, instead of punishing the company, the FDA allowed them to continue marketing the drug without approval for another twelve years.
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Diet pills can metabolize into d-methamphetamine
Diet pills can indeed metabolize into d-methamphetamine. Obetrol, a popular diet pill in America in the 1950s and 1960s, is one such example. The pill was a combination of several amphetamine salts and was indicated for the treatment of exogenous obesity. The original formulation of Obetrol contained a mixture of amphetamine and methamphetamine and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1960.
However, in 1970, the FDA issued an order requiring new drug applications for previously approved amphetamine products. They were critical of combinations of amphetamines and non-amphetamines and considered amphetamine and methamphetamine mixtures to be combination drugs. This led to the FDA withdrawing approval for Obetrol in 1973, citing issues with the research submitted, including a lack of control and incomplete data.
Following this, the manufacturer, Rexar, reformulated Obetrol to exclude methamphetamine salts. This new formulation was later sold as Adderall, which gained FDA approval in 1996 for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The availability of methamphetamine-based medications in the 1960s, such as Obetrol, contributed to their recreational use and abuse. Thus, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with diet pills and their metabolism into d-methamphetamine.
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Methamphetamine is used to treat ADHD and is also prescribed for short-term weight loss
Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant and appetite suppressant, making it attractive to individuals seeking rapid weight loss. The drug increases the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and decreased appetite. This combination of effects can result in rapid and significant weight loss, at least in the short term.
The use of methamphetamine for weight loss is often fueled by anecdotal evidence and personal testimonials. For example, one individual reported losing 55 pounds in 11 weeks while taking Desoxyn, a brand name for methamphetamine. However, they also experienced negative side effects when taking more than the prescribed dose, including breathing issues, chest discomfort, and headaches.
While methamphetamine can lead to weight loss, it also has severe negative consequences for the body and mind. The immense dopamine that meth produces stays in the brain for a long time, creating side effects that contribute to weight loss. However, individuals may find that they can't feel normal or driven without methamphetamines, leading to addiction and a cycle of negative health consequences.
Methamphetamine is also used in the treatment of ADHD. It works by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in individuals who are overactive, have difficulty concentrating, or are easily distracted and impulsive. The medication is typically part of a total treatment program that includes social, educational, and psychological interventions.
Reviews of methamphetamine for ADHD report a high average rating, with many individuals reporting positive experiences and improvements in their quality of life. Some individuals found that methamphetamine was the only medication that helped their ADHD without negative side effects or making them feel like they had lost their humanity. However, it is important to note that methamphetamine use, even with a prescription, can be habit-forming, and individuals should follow their doctor's instructions carefully to avoid dependence.
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Methamphetamine is highly addictive and can cause serious side effects, including sudden death
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can be smoked, injected, snorted, or ingested orally. It is derived from amphetamine and has powerful euphoric effects similar to those of cocaine. Its use can also be life-threatening.
Methamphetamine was once a popular ingredient in diet pills. Obetrol, a diet pill containing methamphetamine, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1960 and was marketed for the treatment of exogenous obesity. However, in 1973, the FDA withdrew its approval for Obetrol, citing vague and incomplete research.
The short-term effects of methamphetamine typically include feelings of euphoria, increased alertness, and energy. It can also cause an intense "rush" or feeling of bliss that lasts for a few minutes. This makes the drug highly reinforcing, and users may try to maintain the high by repeatedly using more methamphetamine. This can lead to a "binge-and-crash pattern," where users may forgo sleeping and eating while continuing to take meth for several consecutive days.
However, methamphetamine has a high potential for misuse and can cause serious negative health effects, including paranoia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart attack, and even death. Long-term use may lead to insomnia, memory loss, development of a substance use disorder, heart problems, complete tooth decay, and other health problems. Methamphetamine is also neurotoxic and can damage dopamine and serotonin neurons in the brain.
In addition, methamphetamine misuse can cause significant brain changes, leading to alterations in the brain's dopamine system activity and structural and functional changes in the parts of the brain that control emotions and memory. Psychotic symptoms can last for months or years after discontinuing methamphetamine use and can spontaneously reoccur.
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Frequently asked questions
No, methamphetamine is a dangerous and highly addictive drug. It can cause serious heart problems and even lead to sudden death, especially in children and teenagers with heart defects. The weight-loss effects of the drug are also very unhealthy and can lead to side effects such as "meth-mouth", which causes you to grit your teeth incessantly.
Yes, methamphetamine is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. It is also used for a limited period of time (a few weeks) along with a reduced-calorie diet and an exercise plan for weight loss in obese people who are unable to lose weight.
In the 1950s and 1960s, a diet pill called Obetrol that contained methamphetamine was approved by the FDA. However, in 1973, the FDA withdrew its approval for Obetrol, citing vague and incomplete research. Today, there are no commercially marketed diet pills containing methamphetamine that are approved by the FDA.











































