Ch 17-20 Flashcards
major groups of CNS stimulants
caffeine/amphetamines/anorexiants
medically approved uses of cns stimulants
ADHD in children, narcolepsy, reversal of respiratory distress, migraines, cluster headaches
long term use of cns stimulants leads to?
depenence/tolerance: need larger doses for same response. diminshed psychoactive effects after repeated use. feeds into addiction.
cns stimulants are recommended short term or long term?
short term
PATHO of adhd
dysregulation of serotonin, NE, dopamine.
ADHD primarily what age? what gender?
primarily children before age 7 and it’s 3-7x more common in boys.
characteristic behaviors of adhd
inattentiveness, inability to concentrate, restlessness, fidgety, hyperactivity, inability to complete tasks, impulsivity
narcolepsy
fall asleep during normal wake cycles. may have sleep paralysis: paralysis of voluntary muscles, inability to move: may collapse
amphetamines stimulate?
release of NT NE and dopamine from brain and SNS
amphetamines typically cause?
euphoria, alertness, may cause sleeplessness, restlessness, tremors, irritability
amphetamines are prescribed for?
narcolepsy, occassionally ADHD if amphetamine like drugs are ineffective
continued use of amphetamines causes?
increased HR, palpitations, cardiac dysrhythmias, increased BP
amphetamine like drugs for ADHD and narcolepsy are meant to?
increase a child’s attention span, cognitive performance, decrease impulsiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity
prototype drug for ADHD/narcolepsy?
methylphenidate (Ritalin)
methylphenidate/Ritalin
prototype amphetamine like drug for ADHD/narcolepsy.
CSS III
given to correct hyperactivity for adhd: increases attention span and controls narcolepsy
anorexiants
appetite suppressants, not commonly used: lipase inhibitors preferred.
examples of anorexiants
benzphetamine HCL (Didrex), diethylpropion HCl (Tenuate), phentermine HCl (Suprenza), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), phendimetrazine (Bontril)
lipase inhibitors
replaced anorexiants as drug of choice for weight loss
decrease GI absorption of dietary fats, excreted in feces: weight loss.
side eff of oily spotting, steatorrhea, abdominal pain, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency/incontinence, headache, N/V, may cause hypoglycemia in DM
analeptics
CNS stimulants most affecting brainstem and spinal cord, may affect cerebral cortex.
primarily used to stimulate respirations
sub group: xanthines/methylxanthines (mainly caffeine and theophylline)
adverse rxn/side eff of analeptics
nervousness, restlessness, tremors, twitching, palpitations, insomnia, diuresis, GI upset
caffeine
analeptic. stimulates CNS: large doses stimulate respirations. given to newborns with resp distress. side eff: tremors, twitching, palpitations, diuresis, gi irritation, rarely tinnitus, insomnia
theophylline
analeptic. used to relax bronchioles, can also stimulate resps in newborns
respiratory stimulants drug of choice
doxapram (Dopram).
treats resp depression from drug overdose, pre/post anesthetic, COPD.
used w caution in neonatal apnea. given IV: onsent of 20-40 sec, peak action 2 mins.
has infrequent side eff.
signs of overdose: HTN, tachycardia, tremores, spasticity, hyperactive reflexes. mechanical ventilation is most effective.
cns depressants
cause varying degrees of reduction in functional activity (CNS depression). degree of depression depends on drug and amount of drug.
classifications of cns depressants
sedative hypnotics, general anesthetics, analgesics, opioid analgesics, nonopioid analgesics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants.
assess vitals/sleep etc. plan for pt to sleep 6-8 hrs. tell pt to avoid caffeine/alcohol 6 hrs before sleep
sedative-hypnotics
ordered to treat sleep disorders. 1. mildest form of cns depression is sedation: diminshed physical/mental responses (does not effect consciousness).
- increased dose leads to hypnotic/sleeping effect
- with high doses, anesthesia may be achieved.
why are barbiturates less frequently prescribed now?
they are sedative-hypnotics with potential for mental and physical dependency.
short acting hypnotics are useful for?
useful in achieving sleep as they do not have lingering side effects
intermediate acting hypnotics are useful for? may cause?
useful for sustaining sleep. may cause residual hangover feeling
hypnotic therapy should be short or long term?
short term: to prevent dependence and drug tolerance
discontinuing a high dose of hypnotic after a long time can?
lead to withdrawal. doses should be tapered and should not be used in patients with respiratory compromise or pregnancy