Effects of Dextroamphetamine, Chlorpromazine, and Hydroxyzine on Behavior and Performance in Hyperactive Children
L. M. GREENBERG M.D.1,
M. A. DEEM PH.D.2, , and
S. MCMAHON M.D.3
1 Associate Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, Calif. 95616
2 Assistant Research Professor and Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
In an eight-week double-blind study 61 hyperactive school-age boys were randomly assigned to chlorpromazine, dextroamphetamine, hydroxyzine, or placebo groups. Chlorpromazine and dextroamphetamine, virtually equally effective, were significantly more effective than hydroxyzine in modifying hyperactivity. Dextroamphetamine produced frequent side effects; chlorpromazine did not. The authors suggest that because response to the latter two drugs is highly individualized, final selection must depend upon clinical acumen and perhaps a trial of medication.
