Mephentermine dependence without psychosis: a Brazilian case report.
BACKGROUND
Substance abuse is a serious health concern. This report presents the case of a 22-year-old Brazilian man with a history of mephentermine use who fulfils all the criteria for chemical dependence listed by ICD-10. Mephentermine is a sympathomimetic agent derived from methamphetamine which, in Brazil, is restricted to veterinary use.


METHODS
The subject used the substance at a high dose (120 mg) to improve his physical performance while working out at a gym. His symptoms included anorexia and insomnia. After days of intense activity, he felt fatigue and soreness. A physical examination revealed scars on both forearms from the injections and a psychological examination revealed moderate speech and motor agitation.


CONCLUSIONS
Cases such as this may be common among the general public. They should have some bearing upon medical practice and public health policies involving drugs.
de Sousa
Henrique Faria
HF
Neuropsychiatric Department, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
de Oliveira
Matheus Fernandes
MF
da Costa Lima
Murilo Duarte
MD
de Oliveira
João Ricardo Mendes
JR
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D000818:Animals; D000855:Anorexia / Q000139:chemically induced; D001938:Brazil; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008616:Mephentermine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D055815:Young Adult
D013566:Sympathomimetics; D008616:Mephentermine