The effect of d-amphetamine and ephedrine on smoking attitude and behavior

Using a double blind, randomized, latin square design, 17 light smokers and 6 heavy smokers were given three times per day doses of placebo, 5 mg amphetamine sulfate, 7.5 mg amphetamine sulfate, 25 mg ephedrine hydrochloride or 50 mg ephedrine hydrochloride. Compared to placebo, active drug produced a statistically significant drop in feeling of addiction to cigarettes (p = 0.022). Ephedrine was reported to be more effective than amphetamine (p = 0.046). Subjects reported similar changes in feeling of enjoyment of smoking. Active drug produced a statistically significant drop in the actual amount of tobacco smoked in heavy smokers (p = 0.028), but not in light smokers. Only two smokers were able to quit completely during the experiment, and one of those people resumed smoking after she stopped taking medication. Possible explanations of these findings are discussed.