Pipradrol is a central nervous stimulant ingredient in a product used to treat functional fatigue. Pipradrol (Meratran) was initially developed in the 1950s as an antidepressant, however, the adverse effects associated with its use and its abuse potential led to its withdrawal and international regulation.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Pipradrol and pipradrol derivatives are norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors.
In a pharmacokinetic study, it was shown that pipradrol conditioned place preference (CPP) was blocked by selective D1 dopamine antagonist, implicating that a rewarding effect of pipradrol may involve the activation of D1 dopamine receptors.
Pipradrol has a definite cerebral stimulating effect without affecting the blood pressure or respiration and has been used to counteract post-anaesthetic and chlorpromazine depression in man. Structurally related to phenylmethylamphetamine, a potent stimulant with a long half-life, pipradrol differs from amphetamine in that its action is more intense at higher centers, it does not exhibit pressor activity, there is no post-excitement depression, and this drug does not decrease appetite, as occurs with amphetamine.
- Primary indication
- Used to manage fatigue and depression.Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C18H21NO · 267.372 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2004
- Code names
- 207-394-5
Resolves to
XSWHNYGMWWVAIE-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILES[H]N1CCCCC1C(O)(C1=CC=CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Pipradrol, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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