CNS STIMULANTS
CNS STIMULANTS


CNS STIMULANTS
CNS STIMULANTS
CNS STIMULANTS
100

What is Methylphenidate used to tx?

ADHD and Narcolepsy 

100

What pts should not take amphetamines?

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

100

What is a drug holiday?

  • - Take a “drug holiday- “drug-free maintains sensitivity to drug and reduces adverse effects.
100

What pts should not take drugs to help with weight loss?

eating disorder

100

What class of drugs is used to tx migraines? 

-- Triptans (Serotonin Receptor Agonist) 

200

What disorders are tx with amphetamines?

  • - Used for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • -Low doses fucus attention and improve executive function
  • - Narcolepsy
200

What should be monitored when a pt is taking amphetamines? 

  • - Monitor diet and weight loss
  • - Monitor HR and BP
200

When is the most appropriate time to take a Triptan for migraines? 

-- Used as abortive therapy (Tx H/As that already started) 

200

How are Triptans most frequently administered? 

Intranasal 

300

What ar pt education points to share with pts taking Triptans?

(If you get this correct, 200 more points will be added)! 


  • - Administer at the onset of migraine symptoms.
  • - can give a second dose 2 hours after the first dose.
  • - Should not exceed 200mg/day
  • - Oral doses with plenty of fluid
  • - Intranasal one spray in each nostril
  • - SubQ right below the skin as soon as symptoms start. Total of 2 injections in 24 hrs.
  • - Do not use if pregnant
  • - Do not operate machinery after taking triptans.
  • - Report to provider hypersensitivity symptoms: heat, flushing, tiredness.



  • Nursing considerations:

- Not for older adults

- Educate

- Must monitor BP for HTN (vasoconstriction) and S/S’s of MI

300

What is the onset of action for Triptans?

  • - Oral: 0.5-1 hr.
  • - Intranasal: rapid
  • - SQ: varies
400

What baseline testing should be completed before starting a pt on amphetamines?

  • - Baseline ECG and BP- these drugs carry of risk of cardiac arrest, arrhythmias.
  • - Baseline Psych evaluation- these drugs are associated with psychoses, aggression, and mania.
400

How do migraine meds work?

  • - Bind to Serotonin receptors in the brain (stimulate serotonin receptors).
  • - Cause vasoconstriction of the cranial arteries, which painfully dilate during migraine attack.
400

What are the names of 4 migraine meds?

  • Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • - Alomotriptan (Axert)
  • - Eletriptan (Relpax)
  • - Naratriptan (Amerge)
  • - Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
  • - Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
  • - Frovatriptan (Frova)
400

What potential AEs should be monitored when taking a Triptan?

  • - Vasoconstrictive effects (coronary arteries)
  • - Irritation at injection site
  • - Tingling and flushing
  • - Congestion in head or chest
400

What drugs will interact with Triptans?

  • - MAOI
  • - SSRI
  • - St. John’s Wort (herb)
500

What are the names of 4 amphetamines?

  • - Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
  • - Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine (Adderall)
  • - Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
  • - Methamphetamine
  • - Others:
  • -- Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Modafinil (Provigil).
500

What are potential AEs of amphetamines?

  • - Speed up body systems:
  • Cardiac: tachycardia, dysrhythmias, HTN
  • CNS: Possible anxiety and psychotic behavior, insomnia.
  • GI: N/V/D, gastritis, anorexia, weight loss
  • BLACK BOX: High abuse potential.
  • --Black Box Warning: Very high Abuse Potential
500

What drugs and herbs interact with amphetamines and how?


  • - Increase effects of amphetamines:
  • Albuterol, pseudoephedrine, tricyclic antidepressants, antacids, MAO inhibitors, and herb (Ephedra).
  • - Decrease effects of amphetamines:
  • Ammonium chloride, antipsychotics, lithium, alcohol, GI acidifying agents, caffeine and acidic foods and juices.
500

What are educational points to share with a parent of a child receiving amphetamines?

- Tell your provider if you (or child) experience nervousness, insomnia, heart palpations, vomiting, fever, skin rash, or weight loss. 

- Children with ADHD take after breakfast to minimize appetite suppression. 

- Take before meals if weight is an issue. 

-Monitor diet and weight loss 

- Take “drug holiday.” – Drug free period maintains sensitivity to drug and reduces adverse effects. 


500
What are the names of 3 drugs used for weight loss?
  • - Benzphetamine
  • - Methamphetamine
  • - Orlistat (used for weight loss but is not a stimulant).
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