Complications of phenylpropanolamine.

Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic agent present in over 100 proprietary and prescription anorectics, nasal decongestants, psychostimulants and treatments for premenstrual syndrome. It is often found in street drugs prepared to look like amphetamines. Phenylpropanolamine has precipitated paranoid psychosis, severe anxiety, cerebrovascular accidents and hypertensive crises. Hypertensive crises can be treated with phentolamine. Psychiatric symptoms and anxiety are managed with benzodiazepines.