Efficacy of a mixed amphetamine salts compound in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We report on a controlled trial of a mixed amphetamine salts compound (Adderall, dextroamphetamine sulfate, dextro-, levoamphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine aspartate, levoamphetamine aspartate, and dextroamphetamine saccharate) in the treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS:

This was a 7-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of Adderall in 27 well-characterized adults satisfying full DSM-IV criteria for ADHD of childhood onset and persistent symptoms into adulthood. Medication was titrated up to 30 mg twice a day. Outcome measures included the ADHD Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Score. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were assessed to test for potential effects on treatment outcome.

RESULTS:

Treatment with Adderall at an average oral dose of 54 mg (administered in 2 daily doses) was effective and well tolerated. Drug-specific improvement in ADHD symptoms was highly significant overall (42% decrease on the ADHD Rating Scale, P<.001), and sufficiently robust to be detectable in a parallel groups comparison restricted to the first 3 weeks of the protocol (P<.001). The percentage of subjects who improved (reduction in the ADHD rating scale of > or =30%) was significantly higher with Adderall treatment than with a placebo (70% vs 7%; P =.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Adderall was effective and well tolerated in the short-term treatment of adults with ADHD. More work is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of Adderall, or other amphetamine compounds, in the treatment of adults with ADHD.

• Authors: T Spencer, J Biederman, T Wilens, S Faraone, J Prince, K Gerard, R Doyle, A Parekh, J Kagan, S K Bearman
• Journal: Archives of general psychiatry (Arch Gen Psychiatry) Vol. 58 Issue 8 Pg. 775-82 (Aug 2001) ISSN: 0003-990X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11483144 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Adderall
• Amphetamines
• Placebos

Topics

• Adult
• Age Factors
• Amphetamines (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Mental Disorders (diagnosis, epidemiology, genetics)
• Middle Aged
• Neuropsychological Tests (statistics & numerical data)
• Placebos
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Treatment Outcome