The neuroendocrine and behavioral response to dextroamphetamine in normal individuals

Dextroamphetamine 30 mg and placebo were administered by mouth in a double-blind randomized cross-over trial to ten subjects. Behavior was assessed and blood samples analyzed for growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), homovanillic acid (HVA), and amphetamine. There was a statistically significant increase in well-being following d-amphetamine as compared to baseline and placebo on both the Amphetamine Interview Rating Scale and the Hopkins Mood Scale. No subject became psychotic. There was a statistically significant increase in GH from baseline to peak following d-amphetamine ingestion. When compared to placebo, the increase in GH was invariable and statistically significant for the 90-min sampling. PRL decreased from baseline following both d-amphetamine and placebo and there was no significant drug-placebo difference. Serum HVA was measured at baseline and 120 min, for eight subjects. Six subjects had an increase in HVA following d-amphetamine but there was no significant drug effect.