Practicum

There are several medications available to treat ADHD. Using the internet, list four general behavioral benefits experienced by ADHD patients successfully treated by medications.

stay focused longer

listen better

fidget less

calmer behavior

reduced impulsivity

Qelbree belongs to one of three classes of FDA-approved medications for treating ADHD symptoms.

Using the internet, name each category and give one example of each, giving both its generic name and one brand name used to market the drug.

Use Qelbree as the example for its relevant category.

antidepressant: bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin)

stimulant: dextroamphetamine mixed salts and amphetamine (Adderall)

non-stimulant: viloxazine (Quelbree)

how do antidepressants influence brain function?

increase the reuptake of serotonin (tianeptine), increase the release of serotonin and norepinephrine (mirtazapine), act directly on serotonin and melatonin receptors (agomelatine) or otherwise influence synaptic neurotransmission

how do stimulants influence brain function?

stimulants appear to increase the brain's levels of free dopamine

the higher the substance dose, the greater the individual's feelings of wakefulness, mania, and euphoria

how do non-stimulants influence brain function?

selectively inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake or by modulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the prefrontal cortex

increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain

Using the internet, what is it about the mechanism of action of stimulant drugs that makes them stimulants, when other classes of ADHD medications do not have as much of the same stimulant effect?

increased catecholamine levels and increased agonistic activity at adrenergic receptors

inducing neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AGRP) or by blocking melanocortin receptors.

Qelbree can have serious negative side effects. Which signs or symptoms are serious enough to watch for? Do patients need monitored and if so, for what? What do patients need to tell their doctors? What medications should they avoid?

not known if it’s safe for children under 6

pay attention to changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings

may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors

do not take MAOIs with or within 14 days of starting Qelbree

can increase heart rate and blood pressure

many cause manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder

may cause sleepiness, fatigue,

What is a MAO, and what does it do in the body?

monoamine oxidase inhibitor

a type of drug used to treat depression

it stops the breakdown of certain chemicals in the brain that help improve a person's mood

A MAO inhibitor is a type of antidepressant

Also called monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

What are MAOIs and how do they affect the body?

MAOI antidepressants block an enzyme called monoamine oxidase from doing its work

a type of antidepressant

Based on your answer to the side-effects question above, why might MAOIs pose a health risk to patients using or about to use Qelbree?

MAOIs and Qelbree both work by inhibiting/blocking something, if both of them are taken at the same time, the effect may be dangerous

increase risk of serious side effects

How would MAOIs affect with Qelbree action?

Clinical Impact Concomitant use of Qelbree with an MAOI may lead to a potentially life-threatening hypertensive crisis