Effect of Treatment with Dextroamphetamine Sulfate on Weight Loss Up To 5 Years in Women Unable to Lose Weight by Dieting and Its Efficacy on Some Other Unusual Manifestations of The Increased Cellular Permeability Syndrome

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment with dextroamphetamine sulfate of refractory weight loss by dieting related to fluid retention secondary to the increased cellular permeability syndrome over a 5-year period. Methods: Women were excluded for pathological causes of fluid retention, e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, heart failure, or renal or hepatic disease. Dextroamphetamine sulfate was initiated at 15mg extended-release capsules with the option of increasing the dosage as necessary up to a maximum of 60mg a day. Results: Forty-four percent of the women lost at least 10% of their initial body weight in 6 months and 42% still lost at least 10% by 5 years. For the first 4 years there were about 15% who lost about 15% of their initial body weight. At 5 years only 7% failed to have any weight reduction compared to their initial weight. Conclusion: The amphetamines seemed to cause weight reduction by diminishing fluid retention rather than causing caloric reduction.