Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research

Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research Shelby Durbin Los Angeles Pacific University PSYC 370 Monday Sep 16, 2024 1 Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research Adderall: A Comprehensive Overview Adderall is a medication prescribed to treat ADHD, mainly, and narcolepsy. This is a class of medication known as central nervous system stimulants. Two active stimulant ingredients in the medication-amphetamine and dextroamphetamine-affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to persuading symptoms of hyperactivity and impulse control (Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2017). Adderall is primarily used for the treatment of two disorders: ADHD and narcolepsy. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Adderall helps individuals with ADHD to be more focused and attentive, helping to regulate their behavior by normalizing the neurotransmitter levels in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Narcolepsy, on the other hand, is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness during the day and sudden bouts of sleeping. Adderall increases the arousal of an individual and decreases the occurrence of sleep attacks, thus being a major help for people with this disorder (Kessler et al., 2006). Adderall works by facilitating the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, within the brain. These chemicals are implicated in regulating attention, focus, and, to some degree, behavior. The increase in these neurotransmitter levels facilitates the ability of patients with ADHD to control symptoms, which improves concentration and reduces 2 Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research impulsivity and hyperactivity Arnsten (2009). This medication has also been shown to trigger alertness in narcolepsy patients due to the excitement in the CNS that, in turn, results in regulation of sleep-wake cycles Spiller et al. (2013). As earlier said, Adderall is utilized for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. In people who have ADHD, Adderall increases their attention span, concentration abilities, and impulse control, which makes it easier to accomplish work and daily affairs. In the case of people suffering from narcolepsy, Adderall reduces excessive daytime sleepiness and allows the normal sleep-wake cycles to take place. Although these are the major disorders it treats, Adderall is sometimes prescribed off-label for disorders such as treatment-resistant depression or fatigue due to chronic medical conditions. Though this occurs far less often, it was reported by Wilens et al., 2008. As with all the other medications, Adderall also involves some side effects. Commonly known side effects are enlisted below: Insomnia: In most of the cases, sleep disturbance or prevention of falling asleep occurs especially if the dose is taken during the daytime (Weisler et al., 2006). Loss of Appetite: The majority of the people experiences loss of appetite that may cause a reduction in the body weight over a time period. Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Adderall has cardiovascular effects, which also include increased heart rate, blood pressure elevation and palpitations . 3 Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research Anxiety and agitation: A number of people experience increased anxiety or nervousness during the period on the medication. Headache and stomach ache: gastrointestinal side effects, headache can also be included, especially in early stages of treatment . Less common but more serious side effects include the development of tics, personality changes, or a "flattening" of affect, possibly indicating excessive dosage. Dosage and administration of Adderall depend on one's age, condition, and response to the medication. There are two forms of Adderall: immediate release and extended-release. Physicians generally start with a low dosage for ADHD and gradually increase as needed. In IR forms, it is usually taken 1 to 3 times daily, while the XR versions take once in the morning because the effect will last throughout the day. Both formulations of Adderall are taken orally. Soft foods do not interfere with the medication; however, the XR version should not be crushed or chewed because it is designed for a slow, controlled release. An overdose of Adderall can be quite perilous and life-threatening, considering that its strong stimulation effect is oriented to the CNS. Symptoms of overdose include : ᐓ Severe agitation or panic ᐓTremors and muscle twitching ᐓ Confusion, hallucinations, and paranoia ᐓ Chest pain and rapid heart rate 4 Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research ᐓ High blood pressure ᐓSeizures - in severe cases ᐓHyperthermia - raised body temperature ᐓRespiratory problems (Spiller et al., 2013) If one suspects an overdose of this medication, immediate medical help should be sought to avert serious complications such as cardiac arrest or seizures. Interactions with Other Medications or Foods Adderall interacts with several drugs and substances. For example: MAOIs - The administration of MAOIs with Adderall leads to hypertensive crisis. Antidepressants - The concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs with Adderall has been claimed to enhance its action and further lead to serotonin syndrome or other adverse effects. Antihypertensive drugs: Adderall suppresses the action of medication that reduces blood pressure. Thus, it predisposes an individual to a risk of failure blood pressure control Other Stimulants and Decongestants: When used in combination with other Stimulants, Adderall can raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Arnsten 2009, Finally, foods or drinks that either hinder or stimulate stomach acid has the same potential to alter absorption of Adderall and its overall effect thus leading to either a quick or a poor response to medication. 5 Week 2 Signature Assignment: Part 1- Research Non-medical therapists must recognize that one should use Adderall with caution because this can be abused and lead to dependency among people who have never been diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy. Adolescents and even college students sometimes misuse this medication as an "study drug" because of its nature as a stimulant; hence, abuse and dependence may result. Therapists are encouraged to monitor their patients for abuse by observing increased dosages without medical clearance, and also using the medication to enhance performance rather than treating a medical symptom (Wilens et al., 2008). Adderall generates huge revenues for its manufacturing company, currently Takeda Pharmaceuticals. In 2022, the global market of the medication for ADHD, to which Adderall belongs, was valued at billions of dollars, wherein a huge share had come from the United States due to high prescription rates (Hameed et al., 2020). Adderall sales at Takeda have been a huge factor in the overall earnings of the said company and are still one of the major drugs used in the ADHD medication market. References Adler, L. A., Spencer, T., Stein, M. A., Newcorn, J. H., Michelson, D., & Ochoa, E. (2009). Long-term effects of Adderall XR in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(6), 589-598. https://doi.org/10.1097/CHI.0b013e3181a56599 Arnsten, A. F. (2009). Toward a new understanding of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder pathophysiology: An important role for prefrontal cortex dysfunction. CNS Drugs, 23(1), 33-41. https://doi.org/10.2165/0023210-200923010-00004 Biederman, J. (2005). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A selective overview. Biological Psychiatry, 57(11), 1215-1220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.10.020 Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2017). Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) prescribing information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021303s045lbl.pdf Hameed, M. A., Mahmoud, M. F., & Haque, M. A. (2020). The global ADHD market: Insights into key trends. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 32(18), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.9734/jpri/2020/v32i1830735 References Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R., Biederman, J., Conners, C. K., Demler, O., ... & Zaslavsky, A. M. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 716-723. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.4.716 Spiller, H. A., Hays, H. L., & Aleguas, A. (2013). Overdose of drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Clinical presentation, mechanisms of toxicity, and management. CNS Drugs, 27(7), 531-543. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-013-0077-x Weisler, R. H., Goodman, D. W., & Erfurth, A. (2006). Adderall XR in adolescents with attention-deficit/h