Differential dose-response effects of dexamphetamine sulphate on hunger, arousal and mood in human volunteers.

The effect of dexamphetamine (d-Amp) and placebo on visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings of hunger, arousal and mood in nine male volunteers was observed. d-Amp (10 mg) significantly depressed hunger ratings but did not significantly affect arousal and mood ratings. d-Amp (20 mg) had a significant effect on all three ratings. There was a difference in the pattern of dose-response effects. Whereas 20 mg d-Amp produced greater changes than 10 mg in ratings of mood and arousal, there was no significant difference on ratings of hunger. These differences in dose-response relationships may reflect differences in the underlying neurochemical mechanisms mediating the stimulant and anorectic effects of d-Amp.