Pharmacology
CLASS: CNS Stimulant (Amphetaminies)
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INDICATIONS
Appetite Suppressant
Attention Disorder
Narcolepsy
Fatigue
Stimulate the respiratory center
Recreational Drug use
Examples:
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
Caffeine (Coffee or Tea)
Illegal Drugs (Cocaine)
CONTRAINDICATIONS
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Drug allergy
Diabetes
Cardiovascular disorders
States of agitation
Hypertension
Tourette Syndrome
CAUTION
Stimulants should not be taken with other
drugs, herbs, or supplements that have
stimulant properties because they may cause
additive effects. Examples of herbs and
supplements that act as stimulants include
ephedra, caffeine, betel nut, DHEA, evening
primrose oil, folate (folic acid), ginseng,
glyconutrients, liver extract, sandalwood, and
taurine. Stimulants should not be taken with
appetite suppressants. This combination
produces additive results and may have serious
adverse effects.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
1. Releasing
biogenic
aminesprimarily
norepinephrine, which stimulates CNS
2. Cardiovascular stimulation –increase blood pressure,
heart rate, and possibly cardiac dysrhythmias
3. CNS Stimulants results in wakefulness, alertness,
decreased sense of fatigue, elevation of mood,
increased initiative, self-confidence, and ability to
contract, elation and euphoria, increased motor and
speech activity
4. These agents act as to stimulate the cortical and
reticular activating system (RAS) of the brain. This is
by releasing neurotransmitters from the nerve cells
leading to increased stimulation of the post-synaptic
neurons.
Actions to prevent or treat
adverse reactions
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
1. Take preventative measures and treat
adverse reactions, i.e
-The nurse must ensure that the drug is only
given to the indicated conditions
-Administer the drug before 6 pm to reduce
the effect of insomnia
-BEST given AFTER meals to prevent the effect
of anorexia
ADVERSE EFFECTS
1. Effects on smooth muscle primarily in the
urinary bladder and results in contraction of
the sphincter-which results in painful and
difficult micturition.
2. Restlessness
3. Syncope
4. Dizziness
5. Tremor
6. Hyperactive reflexes
7. Suicidal or Homicidal tendencies
8. Cardiovascular effects-headaches, angina pain
9. Gastrointestinal effects-dry mouth, vomiting
REFERENCE: Lilley, Collins, Harrington, Snyder. (2011). Pharmacology and the Nursing Process. St Louis, MO: Mosby, Elsevier
2006-2012 Wellness.com Inc. www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/cns-stimulants
The mechanism of action
can cause additional
effects