CNS Stimulants

Question 1

Name the pharmacologic and therapeutic class of this drug: amphetamine (Adderall)

Answer 1

Pharmacologic Class

• CNS Stimulant

Therapeutic Class

• CNS Stimulant (Psychomotor)

Question 2

What are the common endings for drugs that are CNS stimulants? What other drug is similar to amphetamine (Adderall)

Answer 2

• -amine
• Ritalin

Question 3

What is the brand name for amphetamine?

Answer 3

Adderall

Question 4

How do CNS Stimulants, like amphetamine, work?

What is the MOA?

Answer 4

1. Stimulates the release of dopamine and NE from presynaptic neurons and inhibits their reuptake
2. Increases NT activity = increase alertness, focus, and energy

Reticular formation

Question 5

What are the indications for prescribing amphetamine?

Answer 5

Indications

• ADHD
• Narcolepsy
• Obesity

Question 6

What are the therapeutic effects for amphetamine?

Answer 6

Therapeutic Effects:

• Improve focus, attention, control impulsive behavior
• Promote wakefulness and reduce episodes of daytime sleepiness
• Milkd appetite suppression (secondary effect)

Question 7

T/F: Although amphetamine is a schedule IV drug, you should still warn the patient of potential drug addiction

Answer 7

False, amphetamine is a schedule II drug. It is highly addictive and has physical and psychological dependence

Question 8

Chloe, a college student, asks if she can drink Airoma matcha while taking amphetamine (Adderall).

What should the nurse say?

Answer 8

No, you must avoid caffeine. It can create an additive stimulant effect and increase the risk of high BP, tremors, and cardiac issues

Question 9

Chloe was just prescribed amphetamine (Adderall) for treatment of her ADHD.

What potential side effects should you warn her about?

Answer 9

Side Effects:

• ↑ blood pressure
• ↑ respiratory rate
• Dialted pupils
• Sweating
• Tremors

Question 10

Chloe was just prescribed amphetamine (Adderall) for treatment of her ADHD.

What potential adverse effects should you warn her about?

Answer 10

Adverse Effects

• Seizures
• Cardiac arrest

Question 11

What are some contraindications of amphetamine?

Answer 11

Contraindications:

• MAO inhibitors within 14 days (highs of hypertensive crisis/seratonin syndrome)
• Hx of substance abuse

Question 12

T/F: It is okay for a person taking antihypertensives and antidepressants to use amphetamines.

Answer 12

False, psychostimulants (amphetamine) can reduce the effectivenss of antihypertensivs. Antidepressants used alongside amphetamines increase risk of seratonin syndrome

Question 13

A patient with a history of substance abuse is being evaluated for ADHD treatment.

What is the nurse’s priority concern with prescribing amphetamine?

Answer 13

Amphetamine is highly addictive and a Schedule II drug, so a history of substance abuse is a major contraindication due to the risk of misuse.

Question 14

A patient reports insomnia after starting amphetamine.

What time of day should the nurse recommend administering this medication?

Answer 14

Administer early in the day to prevent insomnia

Question 15

A patient is undergoing medication reconcilliation. The patient has a history of smoking and is currently on amphetamine.

Is this drug appropraite? Why or why not?

Answer 15

NOT appropriate. You need to educate this patients that smoking while on this medication can cause further blood vessel constriction due to nicotine

Question 16

Knowing that amphetamine is a schedule II drug, how should you go about giving this medicaiton (in terms of dosage)?

Answer 16

Prescribe at LOWEST, effective dose and the SHORTEST use of treatment