Attenuation of the euphoriant and activating effects of d- and l-amphetamine by lithium carbonate treatment

Psychopharmacologia. 1975 Nov 21;44(3):215-24. doi: 10.1007/BF00428897.

Abstract

Seven of nine depressed patients experienced a 4.3-fold increase in rated euphoria and activation following 30 mg d-amphetamine in a replicated dose, double blind study. d-Amphetamine was 2 to 2.3-fold more effective in producing activation, euphoria, and antidepressant effects than the same dose of l-amphetamine. Co-treatment with lithium carbonate produced a 60% (P less than 0.001) attenuation of the activation and euphoria responses to d-amphetamine. The responses to l-amphetamine were almost completely abolished by lithium. This study raises the possibility of lithium carbonate use as an adjunct in the treatment of amphetamine addiction.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Amphetamine / blood
  • Amphetamine / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Dextroamphetamine / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Dextroamphetamine / therapeutic use
  • Euphoria / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lithium / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Self-Assessment
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Urine

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Lithium
  • Amphetamine
  • Dextroamphetamine