Transcript Central Nervous System Stimulants Used to Treat Attention Deficit

Chapter 29
Central Nervous System
Stimulants Used to Treat
Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder and
Agents Used to Treat
Alzheimer’s Disease
Analeptics and Anorexiants
Analeptics


Common central nervous system stimulant

Caffeine
Anorexiants


Contain amphetamines

Depress the appetite
29 - 2
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Anorectic Agents
Some used to treat:



Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD)
Narcolepsy
29 - 3
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Central Nervous System
Stimulants
Cause CNS and cardiovascular stimulation








29 - 4
Restlessness
Sleeplessness
Anxiety
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Arrhythmias
Hypertension
(continues)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
(continued)

Central Nervous System
Stimulants
Prolonged use produces psychological
dependence and tolerance
29 - 5
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
ADHD Treatments
Methylphenidate HCl (Ritalin)
Pemoline (Cylert)




Both amphetamine derivatives
Produce a paradoxical effect



Calming effect
Improved attention span
Adverse effects


GI distress, insomnia, headache, and
depression
Growth suppression
29 - 6
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Atomoxetine HCl (Strattera)
Not a CNS stimulant
Increases availability of norepinephrine




Improves the thought process
Increases the attention span
29 - 7
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease seriously affects
memory


Acetylcholine is notably absent
Examples of drug agents


Stops the action of cholinesterase
inhibitor


29 - 8
Donepezil HCl (Aricept)
Rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon)
(continues)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
(continued)
Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Improves the availability of
acetylcholine
Improves memory
Adverse/side effects




Mild GI symptoms


Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Agitation during initial few weeks
29 - 9
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Nursing Implications


Monitor for therapeutic effects.
Evaluate for effectiveness.
29 - 10
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.