Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine er
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Dextroamphetamine/Amphetamine ER: Clinical Applications and Effects
Treatment of Methamphetamine Addiction
Sustained-Release Dextroamphetamine for Methamphetamine Dependence
A clinical trial investigated the use of sustained-release dextroamphetamine (d-AMP) as a replacement therapy for methamphetamine (MA) dependence. Sixty individuals participated in an 8-week study, receiving 60 mg of d-AMP along with psychotherapy sessions. The results showed no significant reduction in MA use compared to the placebo group. However, there were significant reductions in withdrawal and craving scores in the d-AMP group, suggesting potential benefits for managing MA dependence symptoms1.
Neuroendocrine and Behavioral Responses
Effects on Normal Individuals
A study on normal individuals administered 30 mg of dextroamphetamine and observed significant increases in well-being and growth hormone (GH) levels. The drug did not induce psychosis and had no significant effect on prolactin (PRL) levels. These findings indicate that dextroamphetamine can enhance mood and stimulate GH release without severe adverse effects2.
Psychologic and Neuroendocrine Effects
Further research involving healthy young men revealed that dextroamphetamine (20 mg) stimulated both GH and cortisol release. The drug also elicited euphoria, suggesting a link between GH response and euphoria. These results highlight the drug's potential to influence both psychological states and neuroendocrine activity6.
Cognitive and Behavioral Effects
Impact on Schizophrenia Patients
In patients with chronic schizophrenia, a single dose of dextroamphetamine improved performance on cognitive tests and increased psychomotor activity. Some patients showed improvements in affect and engagement with their environment. These effects were associated with enlarged cerebral ventricles and increased blink rates, suggesting selective enhancement of cortical dopaminergic activity3.
Effects on Prepubertal Boys
A study on prepubertal boys demonstrated that a single dose of dextroamphetamine significantly decreased motor activity and reaction time while improving cognitive performance. These findings challenge the notion that children with hyperactivity have a unique response to stimulants, as normal children exhibited similar improvements5.
Applications in Medical Conditions
Depression and Fatigue in HIV Patients
A trial involving men with HIV showed that dextroamphetamine significantly improved mood, energy, and quality of life. The drug was well-tolerated, with no evidence of abuse or dependence, suggesting its potential as a fast-acting antidepressant for patients with depression and debilitating fatigue8.
Postoperative Pain Management
Combining dextroamphetamine with morphine for postoperative pain management enhanced analgesia and reduced morphine's sedative effects. The combination was more effective than morphine alone, indicating that dextroamphetamine can potentiate opioid analgesia while mitigating some of its side effects9.
Mechanisms and Neural Effects
Amygdala Modulation
Research using fMRI revealed that dextroamphetamine potentiated the response of the amygdala during the processing of fearful and angry facial expressions. This finding suggests that the drug's anxiogenic effects may be mediated through its influence on the amygdala, aligning with animal models of dopaminergic activation7.
Endocrine Responses
Dextroamphetamine infusions in normal volunteers resulted in correlated increases in plasma beta-endorphin and cortisol levels. This response indicates that the drug can simulate stress-induced hormonal changes, implicating the endogenous opioid system in its effects10.
Conclusion
Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine ER has diverse clinical applications, from managing methamphetamine dependence and enhancing cognitive function in schizophrenia to improving mood and energy in HIV patients. Its effects on neuroendocrine responses and the amygdala further elucidate its potential mechanisms of action. These findings support the continued exploration of dextroamphetamine in various therapeutic contexts.
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