Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Methamphetamine

FIGURE 5.13. Molecular structures of the enantiomers of isoflurane and desflurane. 

Whereas (—)-ephedrine was harmed for use as a dietary supplement by the FDA, it was reported in a patent by Warner Lambert in 1999 that (+ )-ephedrine may be useful as a decongestant and appetite suppressant without the side effects on the central nervous system (CNS) that is seen for the natural (-)-ephedrine enantiomer. Of course, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is an over-the-counter medication in the United States widely used to treat nasal congestion associated with colds or the flu. The enantiomer (+ )-pseudoephedrine has also been patented by Warner Lambert as a decongestant with fewer 

CNS stimulatory effects, but it has not been made available for public use. 

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In 6, we show mescaline, a hallucinogenic drug. The structural similarity of mescaline to the iimate drugs is apparent (in the Retouches, you can find related drugs ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and methamphetamine). It raises thoughts about the reality of emotions, independently of their unique molecular effectors. 

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