Stimulant medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Nursing pharmacology

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD for short, refers to a range of behaviors characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Now, pharmacological treatment of ADHD can involve several medication groups, the main ones being central nervous system or CNS stimulant medications.

Additional medication groups that can be used to treat ADHD include norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as atomoxetine; and alpha 2 adrenergic agonists, like guanfacine.

Finally, adjuvant medications include antidepressants, such as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like venlafaxine, and tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine; as well as antipsychotics, such as risperidone.

Alright, now CNS stimulants include amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate. All of them are taken orally, while methylphenidate can also be applied transdermally.

Once administered, these medications are absorbed into the bloodstream, and travel to the brain. Here, they work at the synaptic cleft by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.

This results in an increased concentration of these neurotransmitters within the synaptic cleft, subsequently increasing focus and attention while decreasing impulsivity.