Current address: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Comparison of intranasal methamphetamine and d-amphetamine self-administration by humans
Article first published online: 28 FEB 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03706.x
© 2011 The Authors, Addiction © 2011 Society for the Study of Addiction
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How to Cite
Kirkpatrick, M. G., Gunderson, E. W., Johanson, C.-E., Levin, F. R., Foltin, R. W. and Hart, C. L. (2012), Comparison of intranasal methamphetamine and d-amphetamine self-administration by humans. Addiction, 107: 783–791. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03706.x
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Current address: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 FEB 2012
- Article first published online: 28 FEB 2012
- Accepted manuscript online: 2 NOV 2011 09:25AM EST
- Submitted 23 July 2011; initial review completed 25 August 2011; final version accepted 28 October 2011
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Keywords:
- Amphetamines;
- d-amphetamine;
- humans;
- methamphetamine;
- performance;
- self-administration;
- subjective effects
ABSTRACT
Aims There are no studies directly comparing self-administration of methamphetamine and d-amphetamine by humans. This study compared intranasal methamphetamine- and d-amphetamine self-administration and characterized the mood, performance and physiological effects produced by the drugs.
Design A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.
Setting An out-patient research unit at the New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Participants Male recreational methamphetamine users (n = 13).
Measurements Five 2-day blocks of sessions were conducted. On the first day of each block, participants ‘sampled’ a single methamphetamine or d-amphetamine dose (0, 12, 50 mg/70 kg) and a monetary reinforcer ($5 or $20). Amphetamine plasma levels, cardiovascular, mood, and psychomotor performance effects were assessed before drug administration and repeatedly thereafter. On the second day of each block, participants chose between the sampled reinforcers (drug or money).
Findings There were no significant differences between the drugs on the majority of measures. Under the $5 condition, both amphetamines increased self-administration dose-dependently, with 41% drug choices overall. Under the $20 condition, only 17% drug options were selected. Both drugs increased cardiovascular activity and ‘positive’ mood, although methamphetamine produced more prominent effects on some measures (e.g. heart rate and ratings of ‘high’).
Conclusions Methamphetamine and d-amphetamines appear to produce a similar dose-related profile of effects in humans, which supports their equivalence for abuse potential.