Psychostimulants Flashcards
Psychostimulants
Amphetamines and Methylphenidate
USE: Amphetamines (dexamphetamine sulphate) used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD and Methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate) used to treat ADHD in kids/adults.
Mode Of Action: psychostimulants, potentiate the release of norepinephrine and dopamine and block their reuptake (opposite of beta blockers).
Side Effects: restlessness, insomnia, poor appetite, tremor, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia.
tolerance and dependence can also result in sensitization (opposite of tolerance).
Prolonged use of an amphetamine can lead to psychotic state that resembles paranoid Schizophrenia.
Methylphenidate side effects: decreased appetite, insomnia, dysphoria, abdominal pain, tachycardia.
high doses of drug can cause growth suppression, but temporary occasional drug holidays (school vacations) can minimize the growth suppression and other adverse side effects.
however, symptoms quickly return wthn the drug is discontinued.
not for people with anxiety, tension, anorexia, hypertension, angina pectoris, psychosis, alcohol/drug abuse, motor tics, or family hx of Tourette’s dx.
