The effect of small and moderate doses of d-amphetamine on hunger,mood, and arousal in man

In rats, low doses of d-amphetamine (d-amp) increase rather than decrease food intake. A doubleblind study was carried out in nine healthy female subjects to compare the effects of a low (1 mg) and a moderate (10 mg) dose of d-amp and placebo on hunger, mood and arousal. Each subject participated in three experimental sessions, 1 week apart, when they received either 1 mg d-amp, 10 mg d-amp or placebo, according to a random double-blind design. Visual analogue rating scales for hunger, mood and arousal were completed prior to drug administration and at 30-min intervals for 4 h. A questionnaire relating to sleep pattern and side effects was completed the morning after each experimental session. d-Amp (10 mg) produced a significant reduction in hunger ratings as compared with placebo at 2 h and 2.5 h after administration, while 1 mg d-amp had no significant effect on hunger. Mood and arousal were only slightly elevated by 10 mg d-amp, and not at all by 1 mg.