What is Captagon pill?

About Captagon pill:

• It is a highly addictive amphetamine-type drug, which is produced mainly in Syria.
• The original Captagon contained fenetylline, a synthetic drug of the phenethylamine family to which amphetamine also belongs.
• It was commercially sold in several countries until the 1980s and was banned due to fears of its highly addictive nature.

What do amphetamine-based drugs do?

• It stimulate the central nervous system, providing a boost of energy, enhance someone’s focus, let someone stay awake for longer periods of time, and produce a feeling of euphoria.
• These type drugs usually stay in the blood for around 36 hours.
• When taken orally, their peak effect occurs one to three hours after consumption, and effects last for as long as seven to 12 hours.

What are the side effects?

• They can cause loss of appetite and weight, heart problems such as fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and heart attack, which can lead to death.
• They can also cause high body temperature, skin flushing, memory loss, problems thinking clearly, and stroke.

 

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Q1) What is central nervous system?

The central nervous system (CNS) is a major division of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in coordinating and controlling the activities of the body.

Source: Captagon pills crisis: What are amphetamine-based drugs and why have they been used by militaries around the world?