Effect of amphetamines in hyperkinetic children: stimulant of sedative? A pilot study.
Dextro-amphetamine and laevo-amphetamine were given in single equal doses to six hyperkinetic children. The effects on motor activity and palmar skin admittance (a.c. conductance) were measured. Only the 1-isomer resulted in a significant decrease in motor activity. Both isomers resulted in a significant decrease  in skin admittance, the 1-isomer having the larger effect. These findings offer no support for the hypothesis that hyperkinetic children are under-aroused and benefit from stimulation. They indicate that the beneficial effect of amphetamines is attributable to a sedative action.
D000662:Amphetamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007536:Isomerism; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*
D000662:Amphetamines; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D003913:Dextroamphetamine