Effects of dextroamphetamine in subacute traumatic brain injury: A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study
Publications
Model System:
TBI
Reference Type:
Journal article
Accession No.:
J81087
Journal:
Journal of Neuroscience Research
Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):
, 96, 4, 702-710
Publication Website:
Abstract:
Study examined the effects of a stimulant drug, dextroamphetamine (DEX) on recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a randomized controlled pilot trial, ten milligrams of DEX or a placebo (sugar pill) was administered daily for 3 weeks to 32 participants with moderate to severe TBI, engaged in inpatient rehabilitation, at a mean of 2 months after injury. A variety of outcome measures assessing cognitive function and overall functional status were administered at weekly intervals to examine effect sizes that may inform a larger trial, and to evaluate safety. Results indicated trivial-to-small effect sizes for DEX-placebo differences, with the largest effects seen on speed of information processing (more improvement with DEX) and agitation (exacerbation with DEX). Examination of adverse events and vital signs suggested the safety of DEX, but the pattern of results did not suggest accelerated recovery due to the drug. Future trials of DEX in this population need to consider the impact of floor effects of commonly used measures of cognitive and physical function, and the heterogeneity of TBI. Although the small sample precludes definitive conclusions, these findings are not encouraging with regard to clinical trials of DEX in subacute TBI.
