Behavioural effects of amphetamine in a small primate: relative potencies of the d- and l-isomers.

Acute administration of d-amphetamine (up to 8 mg/kg) or l-amphetamine (up to 12 mg/kg) in the marmoset results in a dose-dependent increase in small head movements (checking), an almost total suppression of activities including eating, grooming, playing, and social interaction, but little change in the amount of movement. Severe stereotypy is seen at high doses of both isomers. The d-isomer has approximately twice the potency of the l-isomer in increasing checking behaviour.