Chapter 17: Stimulants Flashcards
What does the nervous system composed of?
All nerve tissues:
Brain
Spinal cord
Nerves
Ganglia
Purpose of Nervous System
Receive stimuli > transmit information to nerve centers > response
CNS is composed of?
Brain and Spinal cord
CNS function
Regulates body functions
How does the CNS work?
CNS interprets impulses (sent by PNS) > CNS returns instructions to PNS for appropriate cellular action (response)
It is a voluntary system that acts on skeletal muscles
Somatic Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous system
Also called visceral system, it is involuntary
Regulates the heart, respiratory, GI and glands functions.
CNS stimulants are medically approved for the treatment of?
ADHD (children)
Narcolepsy
Reversal of respiratory distress
Major group of CNS stimulants
Amphetamines
Analeptics
Anorexiants
CNS Stimulant that stimulates the cerebral cortex of the brain
Amphetamines
CNS stimulant that stimulate respiration by acting on the brainstem and medulla
Analeptics
CNS stimulants that suppresses appetite
Anorexiants
What do anorexiants stimulate in the brain?
Satiety center in the hypothalamic and limbic areas of the brain
Cause of ADHD
Dysregulation of the transmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Characteristic behaviors of ADHD
Inattentiveness
Inability to concentrate
Restlessness (Fidgety)
Hyperactivity (excessive and purposeless activities)
Inability to complete tasks
Impulsivity
At what age does ADHD primarily occurs?
Before 7 years old
What is Narcolepsy?
Falling asleep during normal waking activities (e.g. driving a car, talking with someone)
What do amphetamines stimulate?
The release of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine from the brain and sympathetic NS
They also block the reuptake of these neurotransmitters.
Amphetamines can cause… (Eager Rats Will Try Ice X)
Euphoria
Increased alertness
Restlessness
Tremors
Irritability
Weight loss
Xerostomia
What are the cardiovascular problems that occurs with continuous use of amphetamines?
Increased heart rate and BP
Cardiac dysrhythmia
Palpitations
What are prescribed when amphetamine-like drugs are ineffective?
Amphetamines and dextroamphetamine
Side effects and adverse reactions of Amphetamines
Dizziness, headache, palpitations
Xerostomia
Insomnia
Euphoria
Tachycardia and hypertension
Anorexia and diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction
Amphetamines are recommended for intake for how long?
Short term, up to 12 weeks
Excessive use of amphetamine leads to?
Psychosis
Examples of Amphetamine-like drugs
Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate
Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate are given to?
To increase a child’s attention span and cognitive performance
To decrease impulsiveness, hyperactivity and restlessness
To treat narcolepsy
Methylphenidate is classified as
Controlled Substance Schedule (CCS) II Drug
due to potential abuse
Amphetamine and amphetamine-like drugs should not be taken when?
In the evening/before bedtime
Best taken upon awakening
What drug is Modafinil?
Amphetamine-like drug that increases wakefulness in patient with sleep disorder such as narcolepsy.
What drug is frequently prescribed for ADHD
METHYLPHENIDATE
Best time to give Methylphenidate
Usually given BID (before breakfast and lunch)
30-45 minutes upon awakening before meals
6 hour or more before bedtime to avoid insomnia
Methylphenidate contraindications
Anxiety
Tourette syndrome
Glaucoma
Psychosis
Hereditary fructose intolerance
Children younger than 6 years old
Hyperthyroidism
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Dysrhythmias and cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy
Seizures
What food can’t be taken with Methylphenidate?
Caffeine, chocolate, tea and colas (can increase side effects)
Side effects and adverse reactions of Methylphenidate
SE: A Big Cat Dances Every Hour In ToWn
AE: The Hungry Hippos Played Soccer
SE:
Anorexia, abdominal pain, anxiety, anemia
Blurred vision
Confusion, constipation
Depression, dizziness, dry mouth
Euphoria
Headache
Irritability
Tremors
Weight loss
AR:
Tachycardia and hypertension
Hypotension and growth suppression
Palpitations and seizures
Psychosis
Drugs that stimulate the hypothalamic and limbic regions of the brain to suppress appetite
Anorexiants
Contraindications of anorexiants (HGH, 14)
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Glaucoma
Within 14 days of MAOI therapy
Caution with DM, Seizures, TS, Bipolar disorder
Side effects of anorexiants (EITHER)
Euphoria
Insomnia
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Erectile dysfunction
Restlessness
Examples of anorexiant drugs
Benzphetamine hydrochloride CSS III
Naltrexone hydrochloride
Setmelanotide
Liraglutide
CNS stimulant that mostly affects brainstem and spinal cord, also affects cerebral cortex
ANALEPTICS
What is the primary use for analeptics?
To stimulate respiration
Subgroup of analeptics
XANTHINES
What stimulant is given to NBs with respiratory distress to increase respiration
Caffeine citrate
Side effects of caffeine citrate (Puppies take tiny instincts under nightfall)
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Tremors and restlessness
Insomnia
Urinary frequency
Nausea and headache
Half life of Caffeine citrate
Approximately 4 hours, prolonged half-life in pt w/ liver disease, taking oral contraceptives, pregnant.
Caffeine citrate is contraindicated in?
PREGNANCY
