Mixed amphetamine salts, extended release (MAS-XR) may be a potential treatment for MS patients with demonstrated processing speed (PS) impairment, according to a study of 52 patients randomized to MAS-XR 5 mg, MAS-XR 10 mg, or placebo. Researchers found:
• At baseline, mean score on the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) was 43.3 and mean score on the paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) was 34.8.
• 48.1% of patients were classified as impaired at baseline.
• After treatment, the MAS-XR 10 mg group showed significant improvement on SDMT score, improving 5.2 points vs 0.6 point improvement in the placebo group.
• Change on the PASAT was not significantly different in either treatment group.
Citation: Morrow SA, Rosehart H. Effects of single dose mixed amphetamine salts - extended release on processing speed in multiple sclerosis: a double blind placebo controlled study. [Published online ahead of print August 21, 2015]. Psychopharmacology. doi: 10.1007/s00213-015-4051-6.