LEVOMETHAMPHETAMINE EXPLAINED

Levomethamphetamine is the levorotatory (L-enantiomer) form of methamphetamine. It is a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor which is active in some over-the-counter nasal decongestant inhalers in the USA.

‘Levo’ crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a TAAR1 agonist, functioning as a selective norepinephrine releasing agent, so it affects the central nervous system (with no effects on the release of dopamine), although its effects are qualitatively distinct relative to those of dextromethamphetamine.

‘Levo’ does not possess the potential for euphoria or addiction that ‘dextro’ possesses. Among its physiological effects are the vasoconstriction that makes it useful as a nasal decongestant.

The elimination half-life of levomethamphetamine is between 14 and 15 hours, while dextromethamphetamine has a half-life of about 10 hours.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Levomethamphetamine acts primarily as a norepinephrine releasing agent, with minimal to no dopamine activity. As a result, it lacks the rewarding, euphoric effects typically seen with dextromethamphetamine or illicit stimulants. This makes it effective for nasal decongestion but unsuitable for abuse or recreational use.

KEY DIFFERENCES FROM DEXTROMETHAMPHETAMINE

• 🚫 No euphoric or stimulant effect
• 🧠 Limited central nervous system stimulation
• ✔️ Approved for over-the-counter use
• ⏳ Longer half-life (~14–15 hours)
• 🧬 Targets norepinephrine, not dopamine

LIKE ANY DECONGESTANT, ‘LEVO’ SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE:

• Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sweating
• Muscle tension
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Anorexia