Captagon Pills:
After Arab League reinstating Syria as its member, the discussions on the trade of Captagon pills have taken the centre-stage once again.
- Captagon pill 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.
- It stimulates 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.
- 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.
