The Mechanism of Amphetamine-Induced Loss of Weight

The Anorectic Effect of Dexamphetamine Sulphate

“…Jacobsen & Wollstein (1939) also reported an anorectic effect in a minority of their healthy young male subjects given amphetamine over longer periods. Harris, Ivy & Searle (1947) investigated the suggestion that the effectiveness of amphetamine and dexamphetamine in the treatment of obesity depended on a reduction in food intake. A group of seven obese patients lost more weight when taking dexamphetamine than when taking placebo; this difference in weight loss was closely paralleled by an equivalent difference in calorie intake.…”

THE INFLUENCE OF dl‐, d‐, AND l‐AMPHETAMINE AND d‐METHAMPHETAMINE ON A FIXED‐RATIO SCHEDULE

“…The drug action which facilitates the weight loss has been attributed to a variety of mechanisms (Harris et al, 1947), e.g., delayed stomach-emptying time, suppression of gastric secretions, diuresis, increased metabolic rate, increased motor activity, or decrease of "the desire or appetite for food." A comprehensive study by Harris et al (1947) of dlamphetamine-and d-amphetamine-induced weight losses indicated that these agents act primarily on the central nervous system on either a cerebral or hypothalamic level to induce a decrease in food intake.…”

“…A comprehensive study by Harris et al (1947) of dlamphetamine-and d-amphetamine-induced weight losses indicated that these agents act primarily on the central nervous system on either a cerebral or hypothalamic level to induce a decrease in food intake. Other mechanisms which might be influenced by the drugs were considered as secondary factors which could contribute to the phenomena.…”

The response of gastric stretch receptors and certain other abdominal and thoracic vagal receptors to some drugs

“…Harris, Ivy & Searle (1947) believe that the action of the drug is a central one. It would appear that these receptors are primarily sensitive to the drugs and that their stimulation is not secondary to contraction or relaxation of the smooth muscles.…”