Authors: Mary A. Williamson Mt(ascp) Phd,L. Michael Snyder Md
Other names: amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine, Benzedrine, “bennies”), methamphetamine (Desoxyn, “ice,” “speed,” “meth”), ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA, MDE, “Eve”), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), ephedrine, phentermine (Adipex), and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Other psychotropic amines include 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine,
p
-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), and
p
-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA). These are not generally detected in screening tests and may not be reported in confirmation tests unless specifically requested.
Other drugs that are metabolized to methamphetamine/amphetamine: benzphetamine, clobenzorex, famprofazone, fenethylline, and fenproporex.
Use
Appetite suppressants
Mood enhancers (psychotropics)
Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Nasal decongestants, bronchodilators
Limitations
Screen [urine]: immunoassay on automated chemistry analyzers
Amphetamine: Generally do not give positive results for
L
-amphetamine, MDA, MDMA, ephedrine, phentermine.
Ecstasy: The target analyte of most immunoassays is MDMA. Screen will not give positive results with
D
/
L
-amphetamine,
D
/
L
-methamphetamine, phentermine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, PMA, PMMA.
Screen [serum]: ELISA