Variations in affect following amphetamine and placebo: Markers of stimulant drug preference

Variations in affect following d-amphetamine and placebo were examined in healthy young adults who subsequently preferred d-amphetamine (choosers; n = 61) or placebo (nonchoosers; n = 48) in a drug preference procedure. Affect was assessed before and 1, 3, and 6 hr after participants received the placebo and 10 mg d-amphetamine. Following amphetamine as compared with placebo, choosers' ratings increased on scales measuring energy, cognitive efficiency, and well-being, and decreased on scales measuring fatigue and sedation. Non-choosers reported no effects, sedative effects, and dysphoric effects of amphetamine. Following placebo, ratings of energy, efficiency, and well-being decreased, and ratings of sedation increased in choosers but not in nonchoosers. Variations in affect following placebo and amphetamine may constitute markers of risk for drug use.