ADHD Drugs

Question 1

What are the executive function?

Answer 1

reasoning, inhibiting behaviors, organizing, problem solving, planning

Question 2

What is the role of stimulant medications?

Answer 2

increase NE and DA present in synpases of prefrontal cortex

Question 3

What happens if you overdose prefrontal cortex?

Answer 3

inadequate function - dose titrate

Question 4

What is the goal of ADHD medication?

Answer 4

normalize prefrontal cortex functioning, increase functioning to a normal level w/o overstimulating

Question 5

What are the two catagories of stimulant ADHD meds?

Answer 5

Methylphenidate

Dexamphetamine

Question 6

What is IR?

Answer 6

immediate release, tablets, liquid

Question 7

What is XR?

Answer 7

extended release, capsule, liquid

Question 8

What is SR?

Answer 8

sustained release, capsule

Question 9

What is CR?

Answer 9

controlled release

Question 10

When do you not give ADHD stimulant drugs?

Answer 10

before age 6

Question 11

What on comes as OROS?

Answer 11

osmotic release oral system - Concerta

Question 12

What is the patch form?

Answer 12

daytrana

Question 13

What are the most common side effects of ADHD stimulant drugs?

Answer 13

appetite suppression
Anxiety
Insomnia

Question 14

What is least common side effects of ADHD stimulant drugs?

Answer 14

HA, increase BP, psychosis

Question 15

What are the medications for ADHD?

Answer 15

stimulant, nonstimulant, divalproex, alpha agonists, antidepressants

Question 16

What is MC long acting methylphenidate?

Answer 16

Metadate, Ritalin LA, Methylin Concerta

Question 17

What are the long acting dexmethylphenidate?

Answer 17

Focalin

Question 18

What is rarely used stimulant that is only available as short acting?

Answer 18

dextroamphetamine

Question 19

What are the mixed amphetamine salts?

Answer 19

Adderall, Adderall XR - 2x more potent as methylphenidate

Question 20

What is lisdexamphetamine?

Answer 20

Vyvanse - prodrug

Question 21

What is amphetamines are twice as potent as?

Answer 21

methylphenidate

Question 22

What are the improved effects of stimulants?

Answer 22

improved focus, cognition, attention, memory, inhibitory control

Question 23

What is the gold standard for assessing medication performance?

Answer 23

math testing

Question 24

What is the goal of stim meds?

Answer 24

once daily dosing

Question 25

What drug is a nonstimulant?

Answer 25

Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Question 26

What is atomoxetine?

Answer 26

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Question 27

What does atomoxetine?

Answer 27

bad alone, better with stimulant combo

Question 28

How long does atomoxetine take to work?

Answer 28

2-3 weeks with gradual increasing dose

Question 29

What do you have to do with atomoxetine require?

Answer 29

taking the pill whole

Question 30

What are the most commonly used alpha 2 adrenergic agoinst?

Answer 30

clonidine, kapvay, Guanfacine, Intuniv

Question 31

What is clonidine?

Answer 31

short acting and taken at night to help sleep

Question 32

What is some issue concerns?

Answer 32

Many medications will have a cost at the pharmacy of about $200 per month
Insurance may offset some of this cost
Prior authorization often required
Some drug companies offer coupon plans

Question 33

Why do you start dosing low for ADHD?

Answer 33

This reduces the chance for a serious side effect
Allows the child to experience the medication without being overwhelmed
Minimizes side effects initially
Many side effects will subside after the first few weeks on medication and may not return when the dose is increased gradually

Question 34

What are some comorbid conditions for ADHD?

Answer 34

Anxiety
Obsessive compulsive disorder

Depression
Oppositional defiant disorder

Bipolar
Conduct disorder

Drug addiction Learning disability