Wake-promoting agents with different mechanisms of action: Comparison of effects of modafinil and amphetamine on food intake and cardiovascular activity

Angela P. Makris, Craig R. Rush, Robert C. Frederich, Thomas H. Kelly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite efforts to achieve a desirable weight, two-thirds of the population has an elevated body weight. Medications are useful in supporting weight loss, but produce adverse effects. This study compared the effects of amphetamine and modafinil on food intake and cardiovascular activity in healthy men and women. Participants (n=11) completed 11 sessions. In random order, participants received placebo on five separate sessions and single oral doses of modafinil (1.75, 3.5, or 7.0 mg/kg) and amphetamine (0.035, 0.07, 0.14 mg/kg). Free time between hourly performance testing intervals gave participants the opportunity to eat. Like amphetamine, modafinil reduced the amount of food consumed and decreased energy intake, without altering the proportion of macronutrients consumed. Although both medications significantly increase heart rate and blood pressure at higher doses, the dose of modafinil that was efficacious in decreasing food intake did not significantly increase heart rate. Modafinil may be well suited for the treatment of obesity, although further studies with repeated dosing in overweight populations are warranted. Modafinil may have less adverse health consequences than some anorectic agents and greater treatment efficacy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)185-195
Number of pages11
JournalAppetite
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was supported by NIDA grant #: R03 DA13484-01 and an NIH Training Grant Fellowship.

Keywords

  • Amphetamine
  • Appetite
  • Cardiovascular
  • Eating
  • Food intake
  • Modafinil
  • Stimulants

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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