Rebound from D -Amphetamine

Abstract

This experiment involves measurement of direct and delayed effects on mood and performance of single doses of d-amphetamine sulfate. The purpose was to determine whether or not the drug's initial positive effect on some aspects of behavior is followed by a reversal or “rebound” below the placebo baseline even when sleep deprivation is controlled. 43 university students, recruited as paid volunteers, were given 10 mg/77 kg, 15 mg/77 kg, and a placebo (lactose) on three separate occasions in counterbalanced order under double-blind conditions. Behavioral measures and mood self-ratings were obtained on the day of drug ingestion and at intervals on the following day. Measures were selected from those previously established as sensitive to the initial, direct effects of amphetamine. Although strong initial effects were obtained on some of the measures used, subsequent rebound was either slight or nonexistent. Implications and limitations are discussed.