What Are Bennies?

Benzedrine Inhaler

Benzedrine also became available in other forms, including an inhaler and pills. Benzedrine inhalers were meant to help with nasal congestion, as was the original idea for the medication. Unfortunately, those were commonly abused for their stimulant effects. People would often buy the inhaler, open them up, and swallow the wet paper inside to get high, stay focused, and elevate their mood.

These inhalers were originally developed to aid individuals suffering from nasal congestion. However, the misuse became widespread as individuals sought the stimulant effects of Benzedrine. This trend was not limited to the general public; notable figures such as the author Jack Kerouac utilized Benzedrine during his creative processes, contributing to some of his most famous works including 'On The Road.' The extensive misuse is highlighted by the sales figures reported by Smith, Kline, and French, who sold over 10 million inhalers within the first seven years of their release. The growing concern over such abuses led to regulatory action, culminating in the FDA’s decision to ban these inhalers in 1959

Benzedrine Pills

Also referred to as “go pills” in the military, stimulants like Benzedrine sulfate pills were widespread during World War II. At the time, American forces were often given Benzedrine to stay awake, energized, and motivated. By the end of 1945, companies were selling around 750 million Benzedrine pills a year, which became 8 billion per year by 1962 due to civilian use.¹ Women were using Benzedrine at the time alongside other colorful pills referred to as “rainbow pills” for weight loss and mood.

What Does Benzedrine Do?

Benzedrine, or amphetamine, works by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system, particularly the activity of chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. When these chemicals are elevated, they can lead to physical and behavioral changes.

Common Benzedrine side effects include:

• Alertness
• Energy
• Talkativeness
• Increased focus and concentration
• Euphoria or joy

Because of benzedrine’s effects on dopamine, the drug was also associated with a euphoric high, which is what drove users to continue using it, even if the original intent of use was not to get high. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to this artificially produced sensation, leading to tolerance, physical dependence on the drug, and eventually addiction.

Although Benzedrine is an older brand-name medication, amphetamine use is still quite common, as is an addiction to it. Because this drug can have a long-term impact on a person’s physical and mental health, it is advised that those who have developed an addiction to amphetamine seek out professional illicit or prescription drug addiction treatment to recover under medical supervision and care.

Is Benzedrine Still Available?

Throughout the years, Benzedrine uses have continuously changed. From the 1930s to the 1990s, Benzedrine was used for nasal congestion, narcolepsy, appetite suppression, schizophrenia, morphine addiction, alcoholism, behavioral issues in children, combat fatigue during World War II, and the manufacturing of methamphetamine and designer drugs, to name a few. Before the dangers of abuse and addiction became apparent, Benzedrine was available over the counter.

Once adverse Benzedrine effects like palpitations, convulsions, and psychosis were recognized, the drug was classified as a Schedule II substance under the Federal Controlled Substances Act in 1970. Even so, amphetamines remained popular drugs of abuse and still are. Motorcycle gangs would conceal methamphetamine (meth) in the crankcases of their bikes, which led to the term “crank.”

Meth abuse also resurged in the 1980s and 1990s, along with designer drugs like methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). These were popular at raves and clubs, eventually promoting the Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996.²

While the brand name Benzedrine is no longer in use, it is still legal, albeit highly controlled. “Bennies” are now available as the generic drug amphetamine, which is prescribed under various brand names and can still lead to addiction in users. Since being regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Benzedrine is now sold as Adzenys, Dyanavel, and Evekeo.

As the first amphetamine, Benzedrine paved the way for other amphetamine-related medications that are commonly prescribed today, such as:

• Adderall
• Dexedrine
• Mydayis
• ProCentra
• Vyvanse
• Zenzedi

Though Benzedrine is no longer marketed, its active ingredient, amphetamine, is extensively employed in treating ADHD, binge eating disorder, and narcolepsy. Amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, is the primary constituent of Benzedrine, alongside similar drugs like Adderall, Mydayis, Dexedrine, ProCentra, Vyvanse, and Zenzedi, each serving distinct medical needs.