The Effects of a Single Dose of Pemoline on Performance and Mood During Sleep Deprivation

Stimulants may be used to improve performance during sleep deprivation. A previous study found that multiple doses of pemoline (37.5 mg every 12 hr) during 64 hr of sleep deprivation improved speed of cognitive performance with variable effects on accuracy. In this study, a single dose of 37.5 mg of pemoline was administered once during the 2nd of 2 nights of sleep deprivation. With this administration schedule, participants showed improved performance, predominantly on accuracy (percentage correct) measures. Effects on speed were minimal. The three tasks which were primarily tests of reaction time showed no stimulant effects. Pemoline had no negative effects on performance, in contrast to the findings of the multiple-dose study. Administration at the time of maximum need (previous sleep deprivation added to the effects of the circadian low period for performance and alertness) may explain the change in effects.