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

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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<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.

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Van Kammen, D.P., Murphy, D.L. Attenuation of the euphoriant and activating effects of d- and l-amphetamine by lithium carbonate treatment. Psychopharmacologia 44, 215–224 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428897

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428897

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