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Psychopharmacology of chlorphentermine and d‐amphetamine: A comparative study of their effects in normal males
Author(s) -
DiMascio Alberto,
Buie Dan H.
Publication year - 1964
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1002/cpt196452174
Subject(s) - lightheadedness , amphetamine , psychology , psychomotor learning , appetite , medicine , cognition , anesthesia , psychiatry , neuroscience , dopamine
This study is mainly concerned with the actions of chlorphentermine and d‐amphetamine, other than those influencing appetite. A double‐blind comparison was made of the effects of a placebo and two presumably equiactive doses of the two drugs in 20 normal college males. The modes and speed of actions and the relative potencies of the two drugs were determined. Measures of drug actions were made on the autonomic nervous system activity, psychomotor behavior, cognitive perfm‐mance, affective states, and other subjective experiences. Except for the smaller dose of d‐amphetamine, the time of peak action for all drug conditions was found to be 2½ hours after administration. Peak activity of drug effects was compared. For both doses of d‐amphetamine there was a mild autonomic stimulation, but neither psychomotor activity nor cognitive performances was changed. There were reports of mild stimulation, well‐being, restless agitation, detached and unreal feelings, and lightheadedness. After administration of chlorphentermine, autonomic changes were slight and there were no changes in psychomotor and cognitive functionings. Chlorphentermine produced drowsiness, relaxation, lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness and weakness of extremities, detached and unreal feelings, and restless agitation. While these actions were perceived as being of a mild degree, they lasted longer than those of d‐amphetamine. Although effect on appetite was not specifically examined, 20 per cent of the subjects reported an increase in appetite after the higher dose of chlorphentermine, while 20 per cent reported a decrease after the lower dose of d‐amphetamine.