A Case of Phendimetrazine Induced-Psychotic Disorder and Dependence

Abstract

Phendimetrazine and related amphetamine-like compounds are used widely as appetite suppressants in Korea. We report on a patient who developed psychotic disorder and dependence while using phendimetrazine. A 25-year-old female with no psychiatric history began experiencing hallucination of bugs after using phendimetrazine for weight loss for five months. She was admitted and the drug was stopped. Three days later, her psychotic symptoms had subsided and she returned home. Two months after discharge, against medical advice, she returned to a clinic to obtain phendimetrazine for its anorectic effect. She continued using phendimetrazine because she had developed withdrawal symptoms and experienced cravings for it. Within two months of restarting the drug, she had developed paranoid delusions, auditory and olfactory hallucinations. She was readmitted, and was confirmed to have a dependence on phendimetrazine. This case provides a warning that amphetamine-related anorectics can cause psychotic disorder and dependence.

Analysis of Prescription Trends for Narcotic Appetite Suppressants: Utilizing the Narcotics Information Management System

“…3 The primary objective in prescribing appetite suppressants is a 5%–10% weight loss after initiation of pharmacological treatment, particularly those categorized as medical narcotic appetite suppressants, warranting strict adherence to safety and appropriateness due to potential abuse and dependency. 3 4 However, tracking the appropriateness of non-reimbursable prescriptions for medical narcotics in South Korea, especially those related to plastic surgery and cosmetics, presents significant challenges. Due to the persistent misuse of medical narcotics, there has been a growing demand for the establishment of a system with a defined reporting framework.…”