CNS Stimulants and Related Drugs

Question 1

How are CNS stimulants classified?

Answer 1

Chemical structural similarities
Site of action in the CNS
Major therapeutic uses

Question 2

What percentage of school-age children does ADHD affect?

Answer 2

3 to 10%

Question 3

T/F: Girls are affected more than boys

Answer 3

False: Boys are affected 2 to 9 times more than girls

Question 4

What’s the primary symptom of ADHD?

Answer 4

Inappropriate ability to maintain attention span, or hyperactivity and impulsivity

Question 5

What is narcolepsy?

Answer 5

Incurable neurological condition in which patients unexpectedly fall asleep in the middle of normal daily activities

Question 6

What is cataplexy?

Answer 6

Sudden acute skeletal muscle weakness triggered by strong emotion

Question 7

What is a migraine?

Answer 7

Recurring headache usually lasting 4 to 72 hours
Pulsatile quality of pain
Commonly unilateral but can affect both sides of the head

Question 8

Name 3 drugs used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy
Name their class as well

Answer 8

Amphetamines: Methylphenidate
Nonamphetamine stimulant: Modafinil
Nonstimulant drugs: atomoxetine

Question 9

What is the MOA of amphetamines?

Answer 9

Stimulate areas of the brain associated with mental alertness

Question 10

What are the drug effects of amphetamines?

Answer 10

Mood elevation
Increased mental alertness
Decreased fatigue and prolonged wakefulness
Increased respiration
Bronchodilation
Vasodilation of pulmonary arteries

Question 11

What are common adverse effects of CNS stimulants ?

Answer 11

Speeding up body systems
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Diarrhea
HTN
Insomnia
Tremor
Headache, nausea, vomiting
Increased metabolic rate

Question 12

What is adderall?

Answer 12

Amphetamine aspartate
One of the most commonly prescribed drugs

Question 13

What is the age requirement for atomoxetine HCL?

Answer 13

ADHD in children older than 6 years of age

Question 14

What was the first prescription drug indicated for ADHD and what else is it used for?

Answer 14

Methylphenidate HCL
Narcolepsy

Question 15

What is a modafinil?

Answer 15

Nonamphetamine stimulant that improves wakefulness in pts with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorders

Question 16

What is Orlistat? (Indications, MOA)

Answer 16

A nonstimulant drug used to treat obesity.
It works by inhibiting absorption of caloric intake from fatty foods

Question 17

What are the adverse effects of orlistat?

Answer 17

Headache
URT infection
GI distress
Bowel incontinence

Question 18

Name an example of an antimigraine and another name for the class

Answer 18

Serotonin agonists/Triptans:
Sumatriptan

Question 19

What is the MOA of triptans?

Answer 19

Stimulate 5-HT receptors in cerebral arteries causing vasoconstriction and reducing headache symptoms resulting a reduction of the production of inflammatory neuropeptides

Question 20

What are the adverse effects of triptans?

Answer 20

Vasoconstriction
Irritation at injection site
Tingling, flushing, congestion

Question 21

What is an example of an analeptic?

Answer 21

Caffeine

Question 22

What are the contraindications of caffeine?

Answer 22

PUD
Recent MI
Dysrhythmias

Question 23

What is the MOA of caffeine?

Answer 23

Antagonizes adenosine receptors

Question 24

What are the adverse effects of caffeine?

Answer 24

Stimulation of gastric secretions, diarrhea and reflex tachycardia
Flushing, sweating
Elevated RR
Muscular tension and tremors

Question 25

What are 2 considerations when taking drugs for ADHD?

Answer 25

Last daily dose should be given 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to reduce insomnia
Take on an empty stomach 30 to 45 minutes before meals

Question 26

What are 3 considerations for anorexiants?

Answer 26

Take in the morning
Avoid caffeine
Fat-soluble vitamin supplements may be needed