Adderall

amphetamine mixtures

(am-fet-a-meen) ,

Amphetamine Salt

(trade name),

Adderall

(trade name),

Adderall XR

(trade name) Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (CNS stimulation)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	tablet: 0.5–1 hr	tablet: 3 hr capsule: 7 hr	4–6 hr

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• hyperactivity (most frequent)
• insomnia (most frequent)
• restlessness (most frequent)
• tremor (most frequent)
• aggression
• anger
• behavioral disturbances
• dizziness
• hallucinations
• headache
• mania
• irritability
• skin picking
• talkativeness
• thought disorder
• tics

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

• blurred vision
• mydriasis

Cardiovascular

• sudden death (life-threatening)
• palpitations (most frequent)
• tachycardia (most frequent)
• cardiomyopathy (increased with prolonged use, high doses)
• hypertension
• hypotension
• peripheral vasculopathy

Gastrointestinal

• anorexia (most frequent)
• constipation
• cramps
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• metallic taste
• nausea
• vomiting

Genitourinary

• erectile dysfunction
• ↑ libido

Dermatologic

• alopecia
• urticaria

Endocrinologic

• growth inhibition (with long term use in children)

Neurologic

• paresthesia

Miscellaneous

• psychological dependence

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Use with MAO inhibitors or meperidine can result in hypertensive crisis.↑ adrenergic effects with other adrenergics or thyroid preparations.Drugs that alkalinize urine (sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide ) ↓ excretion, ↑ effects.Drugs that acidify urine (ammonium chloride, large doses of ascorbic acid ) ↑ excretion, ↓ effects.↑ risk of hypertension and bradycardia with beta blockers.↑ risk of arrhythmias with digoxin.Tricyclic antidepressants may ↑ effect of amphetamine but may ↑ risk of arrhythmias, hypertension, or hyperpyrexia.Proton pump inhibitors may ↑ effects.Use with St. John's wort may ↑ serious side effects (avoid concurrent use).Foods that alkalinize the urine (fruit juices) can ↑ effect of amphetamine.

Route/Dosage

Dose is expressed in total amphetamine content (amphetamine + dextroamphetamine)ADHDNarcolepsy

Availability (generic available)

Amount is expressed in total amphetamine content (amphetamine + dextroamphetamine)

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Monitor BP, pulse, and respiration before and periodically during therapy. Obtain a history (including assessment of family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia), physical exam to assess for cardiac disease, and further evaluation (ECG and echocardiogram), if indicated. If exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other cardiac symptoms occur, evaluate promptly.
• May produce a false sense of euphoria and well-being. Provide frequent rest periods and observe patient for rebound depression after the effects of the medication have worn off.
• Monitor closely for behavior change.
• Has high dependence and abuse potential. Tolerance to medication occurs rapidly; do not increase dose.
• ADHD: Monitor weight biweekly and inform physician of significant loss. Pediatric: Monitor height periodically in children; inform physician of growth inhibition.
• Assess child's attention span, impulse control, and interactions with others. Therapy may be interrupted at intervals to determine whether symptoms are sufficient to continue therapy.
• Narcolepsy: Observe and document frequency of narcoleptic episodes.
• Lab Test Considerations: May interfere with urinary steroid determinations.
  • May cause ↑ plasma corticosteroid concentrations; greatest in evening.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Disturbed thought process (Side Effects)

Implementation

• Do not confuse Adderall with Inderal or Adderall XR.
• Oral: Use the lowest effective dose.
  • May be taken without regard to food.
  • Extended-release capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on applesauce; swallow contents without chewing. Applesauce should be swallowed immediately; do not store. Do not divide contents of capsule; entire contents of capsule should be taken.
• ADHD: Pediatric: When symptoms are controlled, dose reduction or interruption of therapy may be possible during summer months or may be given on each of the 5 school days, with medication-free weekends and holidays.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take medication at least 6 hr before bedtime to avoid sleep disturbances. Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered up to 6 hr before bedtime. With extended release capsule, avoid afternoon doses to prevent insomnia. Do not double doses. Advise patient and parents to read the Medication Guide prior to starting therapy and with each Rx refill. Instruct patient not to alter dose without consulting health care professional. Abrupt cessation of high doses may cause extreme fatigue and mental depression.
• Inform patient that sharing this medication may be dangerous.
• Inform patient that the effects of drug-induced dry mouth can be minimized by rinsing frequently with water or chewing sugarless gum or candies.
• Advise patient to limit caffeine intake.
• May impair judgment. Advise patient to use caution when driving or during other activities requiring alertness.
• Inform patient that periodic holidays from the drug may be used to assess progress and decrease dependence. Pediatric: Children should be given a drug-free holiday each year to reassess symptoms and treatment. Doses will change as children age due to pharmacokinetic changes such as slower hepatic metabolism.
• Advise patient and/or parents to notify health care professional of behavioral changes.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, anorexia, or dry mouth becomes severe. Pediatric: If reduced appetite and weight loss are a problem, advise parents to provide high calorie meals when drug levels are low (at breakfast and or bedtime).
• Inform patients starting therapy of risk of peripheral vasculopathy. Instruct patients to notify health care professional of any new numbness; pain; skin color change from pale, to blue, to red; or coolness or sensitivity to temperature in fingers or toes, and call if unexplained wounds appear on fingers or toes. May require rheumatology consultation.
• Caution patients to inform health care professional if they have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol or drugs, or if they are now abusing or dependent on alcohol or drugs.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected, or if breast feeding.
• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams to monitor progress.
• Home Care Issues: Advise parents to notify school nurse of medication regimen.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Improved attention span.
• Decrease in narcoleptic symptoms.