| Drug and Dosage | Use | Action | Assessment: Side Effects |
|---|
| Amphetamine SO4—PO 5–60 mg daily in divided doses | Mild depressive states; narcolepsy; postencephalitic parkinsonism; obesity control; minimal brain dysfunction in children (attention deficit disorder) | Raises BP, decreases sense of fatigue, elevates mood | Restlessness, dizziness, tremors, insomnia; increased libido; suicidal and homicidal tendencies; palpitations; anginal pain |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Give before 4 p.m. to avoid sleep disturbance; dependence on drug may develop; contraindicated with: MAO inhibitors, hyperthyroidism, and psychotic states |
| Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin)—PO 0.3 mg/kg/day or adults 20–60 mg in divided doses | Childhood hyperactivity; narcolepsy; attention deficit disorder in children | Mild CNS and respiratory stimulation | Anorexia; dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nervousness; BP and pulse changes |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: To avoid insomnia, take last dose 4–5 hr before bedtime; monitor vital signs; check weight 2–3 times weekly and report weight losses |