Effects of Mixed-Amphetamine Salts on Cognitive Function in MS Model

In a randomized, controlled study of 123 participants with MS over 12 weeks, no significant differences were found in cognitive function as measured by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) between those receiving mixed-amphetamine salts (MAS-XR) and a placebo (p = 0.545). There were significant differences in psychosocial measures for the 20 mg MAS-XR group compared to placebo (p = 0.041).

Tags: #CognitiveImpairment #Fatigue #QualityOfLife #SymptomMgmt
Most relevant to: Neurologist, Psychiatrist
Source: Read original source (PMID 42800227)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

These findings suggest that MAS-XR does not improve cognitive impairment in MS, indicating that amphetamines may not be effective for this purpose. It highlights the importance of considering age when assessing treatment outcomes in clinical trials.

What this does not prove

The study did not show that MAS-XR is effective for cognitive impairment in MS, and the age mismatch between groups could impact the results.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Interventional
Participants / samples: 123 · basis not reported
Randomised: Yes
Controlled: Yes
Primary endpoint met: No
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-21
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceMixed-Amphetamine Salts for Cognitive Impairment in MS ↗

Supporting passages (13)

study designThis double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center randomized study aimed to evaluate mixed-amphetamine salts, extended release (MAS-XR, or Adderall XR) in PwMS over 12 weeks.

sample size123 entered the study and were randomized; 109 (placebo-44, 10mg-31, 20mg-34) completed the study.

randomizedMETHODS: We randomized PwMS demonstrating impairment on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the primary outcome, to 10 mg MAS-XR, 20 mg MAS-XR or placebo (1:1:1).

controlledThis double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center randomized study aimed to evaluate mixed-amphetamine salts, extended release (MAS-XR, or Adderall XR) in PwMS over 12 weeks.

peer reviewedJournal: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders

primary endpoint metAt 12 weeks, there was no significant difference on the SDMT between groups (p = 0.545) or comparing placebo to both treatment groups combined (p = 0.945).

publication datePublication date: 2026-09-21

interventionThis double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center randomized study aimed to evaluate mixed-amphetamine salts, extended release (MAS-XR, or Adderall XR) in PwMS over 12 weeks.

primary endpointMETHODS: We randomized PwMS demonstrating impairment on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the primary outcome, to 10 mg MAS-XR, 20 mg MAS-XR or placebo (1:1:1).

follow up12 weeks.

findingsThis study does not support the use of amphetamines, specifically MAS-XR, as a treatment for CI or IPS in PwMS.

limitationsCONCLUSION: This study does not support the use of amphetamines, specifically MAS-XR, as a treatment for CI or IPS in PwMS.

limitationsThe 3 groups were not well matched on age, which was subsequently included in the analysis as a covariate.

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