Pemoline was a prescription medication (at least in the USA), marketed under the names of Cylert, Betanamin, Tradon, and Ceractiv.
Considered to be a central nervous system stimulant, it was previously used to help treat children with ADHD. It was useful for increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children who are easily distracted and have trouble concentrating for longer periods of time.
Pemoline was first synthesized back in 1913, but not much regarding the activity or its action of mechanism was known for several decades after its discovery.
The drug is currently classified as an oxazoline substance, which simply means a compound containing one atom of oxygen and nitrogen which help to protect carboxylic acids. In addition to the primary use as a treatment for childhood ADHD, Pemoline has also been prescribed for treating narcolepsy.
It is currently classified as a psychotropic and Schedule IV drug (non-narcotic type) within the US. Pemoline is now considered to be unsafe by many experts and is no longer prescribed for ADHD treatment.

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Pemoline Effects:
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The mechanisms of action for Pemoline are still not fully understood, despite the length of time it has been available for study. It is, of course, considered to be a powerful and effective central nervous system stimulant.
Although its pharmacological activity does appear to be similar to other known stimulants, it operates in slightly different fashion.
Pemoline crosses the blood-brain barrier and then enters directly into the central nervous system. Acting as a type of surrogate for the powerful neurotransmitter Dopamine, it does not appear to affect intracellular Dopamine.
This is also the reason why it has minimal stimulant-associated effects like dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate, constriction of smooth muscles, cardiac stress, and dilated pupils).
There is also evidence to suggest that Pemoline may also work as a Nootropic supplement or agent. Many researchers think that it acts as a catalyst conductor in the synapses of the brain’s memory centers. This helps to raise the efficiency of memory and assists with RNA formation in the brain.
Pemoline Benefits:
This drug is most often used in the treatment of childhood ADHD/ADD. It was said to be effective at helping to lengthen the attention spans of such children along with helping to improve their overall emotional stability. It is also helpful at keeping normally restless children calm and less anxious.
Pemoline is also used from time to time as a treatment for narcolepsy, primarily for the same reasons that it is thought to effective with the childhood ADHD/ADD. It is still, on occasion, used for treating cases of adult ADHD, despite the FDA ‘discouraging’ its prescription today.
Another reported benefit of Pemoline may be as a Nootropic. The word itself comes from the Greek language and means ‘mind-turning.’ These supplements are also often referred to as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers.
The way in which Pemoline is thought to act as a Nootropic is by helping to assist in the development of brain synapses, which is essentially how the nerves and other brain cells communicate with each other.
What this does is to increase the efficiency of memory formation, especially short-term memories. It also serves to improve the speed of memory recall and the formation of RNA within the brain.
There is even some evidence suggesting that this supplement can improve the length of attention span and also attention-switching tasks in addition to enhancing concentration and focus. These are all fairly typical Nootropic benefits and they can vary from person to person.
Pemoline Dosage:
It should be remembered that Pemoline is a very potent drug, one that should only be used under the care of a doctor or qualified medical professional. The most typical recommended dosage was once per day, a single pill of 37.5 mg.
It was usually thought that taking this in the morning worked best. Additionally, if this was being used for the purpose of treating ADHD or narcolepsy, then the supervising physician may adjust the dosage from time to time.
Normal dosage ranges are between 50 and 75 mg. Anything above 110 mg are extreme and certainly NOT recommended.
If you are considering taking this drug, please make sure to read the potential side effects below and consult with a physician. You also want to start with a very low dose and only adjust upwards in a very careful and controlled fashion (if at all).
Pemoline Side Effects:
There have been a number of side effects associated with Pemoline, some of them serious. Most, however, include irritability and insomnia in one form or another. Users may also experience things like headaches, nausea, liver irritation, hallucinations, increased heart rate, tics and the exacerbation of Tourette’s Syndrome.
The drug itself was also the subject of FDA action as related to concerns of liver damage and issues. This was, in fact, the primary reason they decided to discontinue the product. Therefore people who have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, epilepsy, Tourette’s Syndrome, and a history of drug or alcohol abuse should not use this drug. There have also been several known cases where extended usage has lead to the development of liver damage resulting in a transplant or death.
Pemoline Review:
Pemoline is a drug originally developed for the treatment of ADHD/ADD. While apparently effective for this purpose, there are a number risks and serious side effects associated with its use.
We think that these are significant enough to issue a high caution on this. It would appear that the risks greatly outweigh the benefits, especially when one considers the fact that there are a number of excellent Nootropic supplements to choose from already (and most are even more effective).
Consider looking at Adderall alternatives for the treatment of ADHD such as Aniracetam, Pramiracetam or Noopept. All of these supplements are safe, effective and unlikely to cause any negative side effects.
Article last updated on: March 4th, 2018 by Nootriment