Evaluation of the Reinforcing Strength of Phendimetrazine Using a Progressive-Ratio Schedule of Reinforcement in Rhesus Monkeys.

Stimulant abuse is a persistent public health problem with no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy. Although monoamine-releasing drugs such as -amphetamine can decrease cocaine self-administration in human and animal laboratory studies, their potential for abuse limits clinical utility. "Abuse-deterrent" formulations of monoamine releasers, such as prodrugs, hold greater clinical promise if their abuse potential is, as theorized, lower than that of cocaine.