Week 13 - Stimulants and Non-stimulants

Question 1

How do stimulants work to reduce ADHD symptoms?

Answer 1

Exact MOA unknown; thought to work by increasing neurotransmission of dopamine and norepinephrine

• First-line treatment shifted from short acting toward long acting stimulants

Question 2

What are the two classes of stimulants that are used to treat ADHD?

Answer 2

Methylphenidate and amphetamines

Question 3

Stimulant: monitoring

Answer 3

• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tics
• Changes in personality (anxiety and irritability)
• Stomach aches
• HA

Obtain BP, height, weight, and HR with each visit

Question 4

Methylphenidate: contraindications

Answer 4

• Very anxious, agitated, tense
• Has glaucoma, tics, Tourette’s syndrome, seizures
• Recently taken a MAOI
• Allergic to any of the ingredients in Ritalin
• Has heart problems or high BP
• Has another mental health condition
• Has circulation problems in their toes or fingers

Question 5

Amphetamines: contraindications

Answer 5

• Hardening of arteries or heart disease, high BP
• Hyperthyroidism
• Glaucoma
• Tendency to be tense, agitated, anxious
• History of drug misuse
• Recently taken a MAOI
• Tics or Tourette’s syndrome, seizures
• Liver, kidney, or thyroid problems

Question 6

Methylphenidate examples

Answer 6

• Ritalin
• Concerta
• Metadate
• Focalin

Question 7

True/False: Food slows the absorption and onset of methylphenidate

Answer 7

True

Question 8

Amphetamine examples

Answer 8

• Adderall
• Mydayis
• Vyvanse

Question 9

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD

Answer 9

Strattera (Atomoxetine)

• SNRI
• First non-stimulant approved for treatment of ADHD
• Long-acting

Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine

• Approved as monotherapy or adjunct to stimulant therapy