Amphetamine trials and tribulations.
BACKGROUND
Laboratory experiments conducted since the 1940s show that amphetamine combined with task-relevant experience improves postbrain injury behavioral outcomes. Several small clinical trials evaluated the approach as a means of improving poststroke recovery.


RESULTS
In laboratory studies, the effect of amphetamine on recovery depends on the location and extent of brain injury, the dosing and timing of amphetamine, and the type, intensity, and timing of concomitant behavioral training. The small clinical trials conducted to date vary considerably in critical aspects of their designs and are largely negative.


CONCLUSIONS
The question of whether d-amphetamine combined with physiotherapy is of any clinical value remains unanswered.
Goldstein
Larry B
LB
Department of Medicine (Neurology), Duke Stroke Center, Center for Clinical Health Policy Research, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. golds004@mc.duke.edu
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D051381:Rats; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000661:Amphetamine