ADHD Meds

Question 1

Stimulants

Answer 1

• dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine)
• methylphenidate HCL (Ritalin)
• pemoline (Cylert)

Question 2

Stimulant - Indications

Answer 2

• Treat ADD/ADHD
• methylphenidate is also
used to treat narcolepsy

Question 3

Stimulant - ADRs

Answer 3

• May interact with MAOIs 
   producing fever and 
   hypertensive crisis
• Nervousness and insomnia; 
  dizziness
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Tachycardia, palpriations, 
   angina, dysrhythmias
• Anorexia, weight loss, 
   nausea, and abdominal pain

Question 4

Stimulant - Nursing Implications

Answer 4

• Short acting, 2-4 hours
• Teach to take the last dose 
   at least 6 hours before 
   bedtime if insomnia occurs
• Administer 1-3 doses per 
   day
• Administer with or after 
   meals to avoid appetite 
   suppression
• Monitor heart rate, rhythm, 
   and BP
• Monitor height and weight to 
   detect growth suppression