Dopamine releaser
- Reverses the dopamine transporter → dopamine exits independent of neuronal firing
- Large, rapid dopamine release → strong reinforcement
- Distinct from reuptake blockade — this actively pumps dopamine out
- The mechanism of amphetamines
Drugs with this mechanism (15)
- Mixed amphetamine salts XR — Extended-release stimulant for ADHD; long coverage with Schedule II misuse risk.
- Amphetamine XR-ODT — Extended-release orally disintegrating amphetamine for ADHD; no pill swallowing needed.
- Mixed amphetamine salts — Monoamine-releasing stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy; effective but readily misused.
- Cathinone — Khat stimulant; the parent of the synthetic cathinone ("bath salt") class.
- Dextroamphetamine — Pure d-amphetamine stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy; tablet, solution, Spansule and patch.
- Dextroamphetamine spansule — Extended-release dextroamphetamine; the active amphetamine enantiomer for ADHD.
- Dextroamphetamine oral solution — Liquid dextroamphetamine for ADHD; flexible measurement but full stimulant misuse risk.
- Amphetamine XR suspension — Extended-release liquid amphetamine for ADHD; useful when pills are difficult.
- Amphetamine racemic (1:1) — Racemic amphetamine for ADHD; more peripheral sympathomimetic effect than dextro-rich products.
- Mephedrone — Synthetic cathinone ("meow meow") stimulant; a monoamine releaser.
- Methamphetamine — Potent, CNS-penetrant amphetamine; high addiction liability, rare medical use.
- Mixed amphetamine salts (triple-bead) — Triple-bead extended-release mixed amphetamine salts for all-day ADHD coverage.
- Phentermine — Amphetamine-like appetite suppressant for short-term weight loss.
- Dextroamphetamine patch — Transdermal dextroamphetamine for ADHD; wear time can shape late-day exposure.
- Dextroamphetamine IR tablets — Immediate-release dextroamphetamine for ADHD or narcolepsy; effective stimulant with appetite, sleep, cardiovascular, and misuse concerns.
Self-check
- Does transporter-mediated dopamine release require neuronal firing?
No. - How does dopamine release differ from reuptake blockade?
It actively pumps dopamine out.
All mechanisms · Open Dopamine releaser in the interactive console ↗