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