ADHD pharmacology and therapeutics Flashcards
two general types of ADHD symptoms
- inattention
- hyperactivity and impulsivity
factors that contribute to ADHD
- genetics
- maternal smoking
- preterm birth or low birth weight
- deficits in monoamine NT system
childhood diagnosis criteria
- at least 6 symptoms
- before age 12
- at least 6 months in duration
- symptoms present in two or more settings
- symptoms interfere with life
adult diagnosis criteria
- at least 5 symptoms
- present before age 12
- last at least 6 months
- in two or more settings
- symptoms interfere with lifeS
inattention symptoms
- fails to give attention to detail
- careless mistakes
- trouble holding attention
- does not seem to listen
- does not follow through on instructions
- fails to finish work
- avoids or is reluctant to do tasks that take a long period of time
- loses things needed for tasks
- easily distracted
- forgetful
hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms
- difficulty organizing tasks
- excessive talking, fidgeting
- runs about or climbs when not appropriate
- unable to play or have leisure quietly
- often on the go
- talks excessively
- blurts out answers
- has trouble waiting for their turn
3 types of presentation
- combined
- mostly inattentive
- mostly hyperactive-impulsive
most common presentation in adults
inattentive
common comorbid conditions
- anxiety
- mood disorders
- learning disabilities
- medical conditions
- substance abuse
non-stimulant ADHD medications
clonidine guanfacine atomoxetine modafinil armodafinil
target of stimulant drugs
monamine transporters
primary NE pathway
dorsal noradrenergic bundle
role of the NE pathway
mediates orienting response, selective attention, and vigilance (helps response to sensory stimulation and filtering)
cocaine CNS MoA
prevents reuptake of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine
cocaine anesthesia MoA
inactivates sodium channels and stops depolarization
cocaine uses
local anesthesia, usually EENT
amphetamines general MoA
- taken up via NET and inhibits VMAT
- increases release of dopamine, NE, and serotonin
- not dependent on firing rate of neuron
general structure of amphetamines
phenyl ethyl amine
pharmacological effect of amphetamines
- increase mood
- improved attention span and alertness
- euphoria at high doses
- reduced appetite
amphetamines adverse effects
- euphoria
- restlessness
- tremor
- anxiety
- dizziness
- insomnia
dextroamphetamine
enantiomer of amphetamine that is more potent and centrally active
adderall
combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine
methylphenidate MoA
- blocks reuptake transporter in the synapse
- dependent on firing rate of neuron
stimulants adverse effects
- reduced appetite
- stomachache
- insomnia
- headache
- rebound symptoms
- irritability/jitteriness
atomoxetine MoA
selective presynaptic NE reuptake inhibitor
atomoxetine side effects
- nausea
- anorexia
- increased BP
- insomnia
- fatigue
- sedation
clonidine MoA
alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, inhibits NE release presynaptically
clonidine adverse effects
- sedation
- hypotension
- constipation
- bradycardia
- syncope