Pharmacology Flashcards
Youngest age to prescribe for ADHD without specialist consultation.
6 years
Maximum age to treat ADHD
None.
Effects of ADHD medication on pregnant / breastfeeding women.
Unknown. (CADDRA). Therefore proceed on case-by-case basis.
Rate of emergence of psychosis/mania symptoms in children taking ADHD medication.
11 per 743 person-years (Mosholder et al 2009). Zero patients on placebo developed psychosis/mania. 2/3 of cases develop in days to weeks but in the remaining 1/3, developed after months or even years.
Stimulant factors possibly associated with decreased anxiety in ADHD children.
MPH (RR=0.85 vs. RR=1.02 for AMP), short-acting (RR=0.83 vs. 0.99 for long-acting). Higher doses correlated with lower anxiety. (Coughlin et al 2015).
Do psychostimulants increase anxiety in children?
Can be a side effect, but in patients on stimulants overall anxiety is significantly lower than patients on placebo (RR=0.86). (Coughlin et al 2015).
Common themes in children who develop hallucinations on ADHD medications.
Visual and/or tactile - insects, snakes, worms. (Mosholder et al 2009)
Percentage of children on ADHD medications who develop psychosis/mania who have no risk factors.
About 90% (Mosholder et al 2009)
Why are long-acting stimulants preferred?
Less potential for abuse, misuse, and diversion; improve adherence; maintain privacy at school.
Can stimulants be combined with atomoxetine or guanfacine?
Yes, off-label; no official indication or long-term studies on safety.
Concerta %immediate/delayed release, duration
22/78, 10-12 hr
Biphentin %immediate/delayed release, duration
40/60, 10-12 hr
Vyvanse %immediate/delayed release, duration of action
prodrug; 13-14 hr
Adderall XR %immediate/delayed release, duration
50/50, 12 hr
Cost of Concerta in Canada - 30 day supply
$30-60 per CPS
Cost of Biphentin in Canada - 30 day supply
$60-90 per CPS
Cost of Vyvanse in Canada - 30 day supply
$120-150 per CPS
Dexedrine %immediate/delayed release, duration
100/0, 4 hr
Dexedrine spansules %immediate/delayed release, duration
50/50, 6-8 hr
Adderall XR %immediate/delayed release, duration
50/50, 12 hr
Methylphenidate IR %immediate/delayed release, duration
100/0, 3-4 hr
Precautions with dexedrine IR and methylphenidate IR
Pill can be crushed easily - higher abuse potential.
Alternate way of taking Vyvanse
Can be diluted in water, OJ, or yogurt
Alternate way of taking Adderall XR
Sprinkable granules
Alternative way of taking Biphentin
Sprinkable granules
ADHD Pharmacologic treatment steps
Start with a long-acting stimulant; if failure / tolerance issue try another one. May augment with a non-stimulant or a short-acting stimulant. Then consider a switch to a non-stimulant.