Peer Responses – Use of Amphetamines in Treating ADHD Symptoms

Peer Responses – Use of Amphetamines in Treating ADHD Symptoms

Responding to Adele’s post

Hello Adelle,

Thank you for the insightful post. A compelling case for the use of amphetamines in treating Malcolm’s ADHD symptoms is presented. The rapid onset of action and effectiveness in improving attention and impulse control are notable advantages. However, the potential side effects and risks associated with amphetamines, particularly in children, warrant careful consideration. The increased risk of appetite suppression and potential cardiovascular issues can significantly affect Malcolm’s growth and overall health (Sarayu Vasan & Olango, 2019).

In contrast, methylphenidate, while also a stimulant, tends to have a lower risk of severe side effects. According to Nanda et al. (2023), methylphenidate is often better tolerated in pediatric patients, with a reduced likelihood of severe cardiovascular side effects compared to amphetamines. Moreover, the availability of various formulations, including extended-release options, provides flexible dosing schedules that can be tailored to Malcolm’s daily routine, ensuring consistent symptom management throughout the school day.

References

Nanda, A., Sai, L., Sambe, H. G., Yasir, M., Eyn, R., Amaresh Gogikar, & Mohammed, L. (2023). Adverse Effects of Stimulant Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(9). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45995

Sarayu Vasan, & Olango, G. J. (2019, November 5). Amphetamine Toxicity. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470276/

Responding to Wala’s Post

Hello Wala,

Thank you for the insightful post. The argument highlights the effectiveness of amphetamines in quickly alleviating ADHD symptoms, which is critical for individuals needing immediate relief. However, the potential for misuse and dependency, particularly in younger patients like Malcolm, cannot be overlooked. The side effects, such as insomnia and appetite suppression, pose additional challenges that require vigilant monitoring (Pires et al., 2023).

Methylphenidate offers a balanced approach, with evidence suggesting it has a lower potential for abuse while still providing significant symptomatic relief (Peter van Ruitenbeek et al., 2023). The extended-release formulations are particularly advantageous for school-aged children, allowing for once-daily dosing that supports adherence and minimizes the impact on daily activities. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential, but the overall risk profile of methylphenidate makes it a viable and often preferred option for managing ADHD in pediatric patients.

References

Peter van Ruitenbeek, Franzen, L., Mason, N. L., Stiers, P., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2023). Methylphenidate as a treatment option for substance use disorder: a transdiagnostic perspective. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14(23). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1208120

Pires, B., Rosendo, L. M., Ana Teresa Brinca, Simão, A. Y., Barroso, M., Rosado, T., & Gallardo, E. (2023). The Therapeutic Potential of Amphetamine-like Psychostimulants. Life, 13(11), 2180–2180. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13112180

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Just a FYI for this week’s discussion: You may choose whichever medication you wish for the week 6 discussion.

In Week 5, you were assigned by the Faculty to argue either the pro for or con against a particular medication. You were also provided information for a patient case study scenario. Week 5 was your opportunity to conduct research for this debate.

Use of Amphetamines in Treating ADHD

This week, you will present and defend your assigned stance (pro or con) and specific medication for your patient case study scenario with your peers. Within the debate, you will also share your perspective on why the alternative medication class would not be appropriate for the patient case scenario.

Support your answers with evidence-based, peer-reviewed scholarly literature.

Note: APA style format with citations and references will apply.

As a reminder, these were the assigned medications:

Pro Con
Amphetamine

Amphetamine

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate

Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

Non-Stimulant

Non-Stimulant

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To prepare:

Review the Required Learning Resources.
Review your research regarding your position and medication.
Consider how you will apply your specific position and medication to the presented patient case.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 6
Post your response detailing your argument for the following:

What is the proposed mechanism of action of the medication(s)? Why might this be appropriate for the patients?
What are the advantages or disadvantages of your class of medication (options for different administration, length of duration, etc.)?
What are the advantages or disadvantages of the other medication options?
What possible side effects or considerations need to be evaluated?
Provide one example for each consideration—legal, ethical, and social implications—for prescribing the medication category.
Note: Your response needs to be supported by three 3 scholarly peer-reviewed resources located outside of your course learning resources.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 6
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts. Focus specifically on those colleagues who were assigned your same medication but opposite stance.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who were assigned your same medication but an opposite stance. For example, if you were assigned the con stance for amphetamine, you should respond to two students who were assigned the pro stance for amphetamine. Support or expand on your original argument to refute their claims. Work to share additional perspectives on the issue described by your colleague.

Note: It is recommended that you read all peer postings to learn about medications other than those to which you are assigned. Additionally, your response needs to be supported by two (2) scholarly peer-reviewed resources located outside of your course Learning Resources.