Drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Question 1

Name 3 drugs for the treatment of ADHD.

Answer 1

Atomoxetine
Dexamphetamine
Methylphenidate

Question 2

What is the MOA of atomoxetine?

Answer 2

Atomoxetine (Strattera) selectively inhibits pre-synaptic noradrenaline reuptake in the CNS.

Question 3

List 3 adverse effects of atomoxetine.

Answer 3

Dyspepsia
Decreased appetite
Dry mouth

Question 4

What is the daily dose of atomoxetine?

Answer 4

Adults (6+): initially 0.5mg/kg daily, increasing according to response to a maximum of 80mg daily.

Question 5

What is the MOA of dexamphetamine?

Answer 5

Dexamphetamine is thought to enhance dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission in ADHD.

Question 6

List 3 adverse effects of dexamphetamine.

Answer 6

Loss of appetite
Anxiety
Dry mouth

Question 7

What is the daily dose of dexamphetamine?

Answer 7

Initially 5mg mane for 1 week, increase to a range of 0.5-1mg/kg (max 40mg) daily.

Question 8

What is the MOA of methylphenidate?

Answer 8

Thought to enhance noradgrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in ADHD.

Question 9

List 3 adverse effects of methylphenidate.

Answer 9

Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth.

Question 10

What is the daily dose of methylphenidate?

Answer 10

Child 6-12 years: 1mg/kg daily (max 40mg)
Adults: 10mg m initially, increase to clinical response by 5-10mg weekly (max60mg daily).
CR tablet: initially 18mg daily, increase weekly to a maximum of 72mg daily.