ADHD Medications

Question 1

Class of drugs used to treat ADHD?

Answer 1

Amphetamines
Methylphenidate
Non-amphetamines

Question 2

Types of Amphetamines

Answer 2

Amphetamine/Dextrophetamine Sulfate (Adderall) - 1st line
Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn)
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

Question 3

Therapeutic use of Amphetamines

Answer 3

To treat ADHD &
Narcolepsy

Question 4

MOA: Amphetamines

Answer 4

Increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Question 5

How are patients taking amphetamines perceived?

Answer 5

Energized
More alert
Improve mood (Euphoria)

Question 6

How does amphetamines help those with ADHD?

Answer 6

Increase their ability to focus
Lengthens attention span
Minimizes impulsiveness and easy distractibility

Question 7

Adverse Reactions

Answer 7

Insomnia
Nervousness
Weight loss
Suppressed growth in children
Hypertension
Tachycardia
Heart Palpitations
Withdrawal - when this dug is stopped abruptly (depression)
high risk for abuse

Question 8

Toxicity signs of Amphetamines

Answer 8

Psychosis
Dysrhythmias
Seizures

Question 9

Nursing Interventions: Amphetamines

Answer 9

Arrange doses to allow for nighttime sleep
Monitor weight
Monitor height in children
Monitor VS
Treat symptoms with antipsychotic, antihypertensive agents
Taper off
Monitor for signs of depression, fatigue when drug is stopped

Question 10

Client Education: Amphetamines

Answer 10

Instruct client to avoid caffeine
Instruct client to take dose early in the day (last dose no later than 4 m)
Report anorexia, cardiovascular effects to provider
Instruct client to not abruptly stop - but needs to taper off
Advise client about potential risk of abuse/dependency

Question 11

Contraindications: Amphetamines

Answer 11

Allergic to amphetamines
Moderate or severe hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Structural cardiac defects (children)
Hyperthyroidism
Hx of drug abuse
Clients currently taking or have used MAOI within the past 14 days
Glaucoma

Question 12

Negative Interactions: Amphetamines

Answer 12

• Current use or use within 2 weeks of MAOI may cause severe hypertension
• Increases chance of cardiac effects when taken with other stimulants - Digoxin, Beta blockers, or TCA
• Ascorbic acid, ammonium chloride decrease elimination of amphetamines
• sodium bicarb, acetazolamide increase amphetamine effects.