The abuse potential of oxethazaine: Effects of oxethazaine on drug-seeking behavior and analysis of its metabolites in plasma and hair in animal models

► Oxethazaine is a precursor of phentermine. ► Phentermine induced significant psychological dependence and rewarding effects. ► Oxethazaine did not have any abuse potential. ► Oxethazaine metabolism to phentermine did not reach a pharmacologically active level. ► Phentermine was not a major metabolite in hair from oxethazaine abusers.