Thozalinone
Obsolete oxazolinone dopaminergic stimulant, once studied as the antidepressant Stimsen.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS THOZALINONE?
Detailed overview
Thozalinone (CL 39,808, brand name Stimsen) is an oxazolinone-class central nervous system stimulant from the same chemical family as pemoline and fenozolone. It acts as a dopaminergic agent: in rodents it reliably elicits gnawing and stereotyped biting behavior that is blocked by dopamine-blocking drugs, confirming dopaminergic mediation. In the 1960s and 1970s it was investigated as an antidepressant and as an appetite-suppressing weight-loss agent in a handful of small clinical trials. Today it is an obsolete compound that has been essentially withdrawn from practice, with very limited modern safety and pharmacokinetic data.
Mechanism
Dopaminergic stimulant (oxazolinone)
Evidence
Limited, dated clinical data
Legal status
Obsolete, withdrawn drug
Receptor profile
- Dopamine synthesis / dopaminergic signalingModerate
- Catecholamine tone (dopamine, noradrenaline)Moderate
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Overstimulation, restlessness and tremor from the dopaminergic stimulant effect
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep if taken too late in the day
- Appetite suppression (the compound was also studied as a weight-loss agent)
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure, as with other central stimulants
- Theoretical risk of dependence and tolerance from the dopaminergic mode of action
- An obsolete drug with very limited modern safety data
Contraindications · 5
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
- Cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension
- Anxiety disorders, panic disorder: the stimulant effect may worsen them
- Avoid combining with MAO inhibitors or other dopaminergic/stimulant agents
- A withdrawn, obsolete drug; not recommended without clinical supervision
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Some pharmacologic properties of thozalinone, a new excitant
Greenblatt EN, Osterberg AC
A double-blind study of thozalinone (CL 39,808) in depressed outpatients
Gallant DM, Bishop MP, Scrignar CB, Hornsby L, Moore B, Inturrisi BB
Clinical trial of Stimsen Thozalinone in the treatment of obese patients
Leite AC, Liepen LL, Costa VP
Determination of the psychostimulants pemoline, fenozolone and thozalinone in human urine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography
Gielsdorf W
FAQ
FAQ
Obsolete oxazolinone dopaminergic stimulant, once studied as the antidepressant Stimsen.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.