Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Adderall contains amphetamine salts (amphetamine
and dextroamphetamine) and is used for treating
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and
narcolepsy. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of
neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. (Neurotransmitters
are chemicals produced by nerves that are released and attach to other nearby
nerves as a means of communication among nerves.) The exact mechanism of
action in ADHD is unknown. Adderall XR is an extended release form of Adderall.
Adderall was approved by the FDA in 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes (Adderall), No (Adderall XR)
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 C
(59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Adderall is used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall XR is only approved for
treatment of ADHD.
DOSING: Adderall usually is taken once or twice a day. Doses should be
separated by at least 4-6 hours. The recommended dose is 2.5 to 60 mg daily
depending on the patient's age and the condition being treated. Adderall XR is
taken once daily. The recommended dose is 5-40 mg daily administered in the
morning. The entire contents of the Adderall XR capsules may be sprinkled into
applesauce and consumed immediately. Amphetamines should be administered during
waking hours and late evening doses should be avoided in order to avoid
insomnia.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Amphetamines should not be taken with monoamine oxidase
(MAO) inhibitor drugs including phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate),
and Zyvox; use of amphetamine within 14 days of using MAO inhibitor drugs should
be avoided. Patients receiving antihypertensive medications may experience loss
of blood pressure control with amphetamine. Antacids may increase absorption of
amphetamine salts and increase their effectiveness and side effects.
PREGNANCY: Amphetamines should not be used during
pregnancy. Infants who are
born to mothers dependent on amphetamines exhibit symptoms of withdrawal and
have an increased risk of low birth weight.
NURSING MOTHERS: Mothers taking amphetamines should refrain from nursing
their infants because these drugs are excreted in
human milk and can have
undesirable effects on the child.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of amphetamines include excessive stimulation of
the nervous system leading to nervousness, restlessness, excitability,
dizziness, headache, insomnia, fear, anxiety,
tremor,
and even hallucinations and convulsions (seizures). Blood pressure and heart
rate may increase, and patients may experience
palpitations of the heart. Sudden death, stroke, heart attack, depression,
manic episodes, aggressive behavior or hostility, psychosis, growth suppression
(long-term use), dependence, and withdrawal symptoms may also occur.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
ADHD afflicts approximately 3 percent to 5 percent of school-age children and an estimated 60 percent of those maintain the disorder into adulthood. Symptoms of adult ADHD include chronic lateness, anxiety, low self esteem, employment problems, difficulty controlling anger, impulsiveness, poor organization skills, procrastination, chronic boredom among others.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by the symptoms hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Treatment for ADHD may involve behavioral therapy and psychostimulant or antidepressant medication.
Narcolepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system causes have not been fully determined. Some theories include abnormalities in hypocretin neurons in the brain or an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, disturbed nocturnal sleep, and automatic behavior. Diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests. Treatments of narcolepsy symptoms include medication and lifestyle changes.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most
well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is
characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known
that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with
ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults.
However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD.
ADHD in Adults
Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering
information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time
limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause
associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.
Adult ADHD Stats
ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an
es...
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