THE USE OF BENZEDRINE SULFATE IN POSTENCEPHALITIC PARKINSONISM

Abstract

Benzedrine has been referred to in the literature by many chemically descriptive terms such as benzyl methyl carbinamine, alpha methyl phenylethylamine, beta phenylisopropylamine, phenylaminoethanol and beta aminopropylbenzene. We shall confine ourselves to the use of the trade name benzedrine sulfate in future reference. Pharmacologic studies¹have shown that benzedrine has a more profound central stimulating action on the central nervous system than either epinephrine or ephedrine. Its action has been estimated to be sustained from two to eight times as long as that of ephedrine. Its central effect is probably due to an increased cerebral blood flow and a possible chemical action on the brain itself.²Its action as a vasopressor causes the blood and spinal fluid pressures to increase.³The use of the parasympathetic paralyzants, hyoscyamus, belladonna and stramonium enhances the sympathetic stimulating action of benzedrine, thereby increasing its pressor effects. Dameshek²has shown an