A comparison of the effects of the stimulants, modafinil and amphetamine, on food intake, cardiovascular activity, verbal reports of drug effect, and performance in normal, healthy men and women

Obesity is a serious health problem in the U.S. Decreasing weight to desirable ranges will improve overall health. Conventional approaches to weight loss (i.e., a moderate intake of a variety of foods, regular exercise, and behavior modification) are considered safe and effective when followed. However, the high and increasing prevalence of obesity suggest that conventional approaches to weight loss are either not being applied appropriately or have practical limitations. Individuals resort to methods that are not recommended as safe such as smoking. Concerns about weight contribute to smoking initiation, interfere with smoking cessation efforts, and promote relapse. Anti-obesity medications have been successful in regulating weight in nonsmokers and ex-smokers; however, use of these agents is restricted due to undesirable side effects and unknown long-term consequences.; This study investigated the effects of a novel stimulant medication, modafinil, on food intake, verbal reports of drug effect, performance, and cardiovascular activity in normal, healthy men and women. These effects were compared with those of d-amphetamine, an adrenergic anorectic with well-documented abuse liability. Participants completed 10 sessions and received placebo and a single oral dose of the following drugs: modafinil (1.75 mg/kg, 3.5 mg/kg, or 7.0 mg/kg) and amphetamine (0.035mg/kg, 0.07 mg/kg, 0.14 mg/kg) on separate occasions. Brief (15 minute) performance batteries were administered at before and after drug administration at hourly intervals. Forty-five minutes of free time separated successive performance testing intervals allowing participants to watch television, read, listen to music, or eat.; Results from the present study suggest that at therapeutic doses modafmil decreases food intake, does not adversely affect cardiovascular function, has minimal potential for abuse, and improves performance. These characteristics make modafinil uniquely suited for the treatment of obesity and may have important implications in the area of drug abuse. Modafinil may reduce adverse health consequences of drug use and enhance treatment efficacy in individuals who use tobacco smoking as a means of regulating their weight. However, it should be used with caution because at higher doses it appears to display some pharmacological characteristics that are similar to amphetamine.