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ADDERALL (Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
What is it for?
X Medical literature reports that stimulants may Adderall XR is a central nervous system stimulant intensify the motor and/or vocal tics characteristic that combines two stimulant drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is used in the treatment X Medical literature suggests that long-term treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in with stimulant medications may result in suppres- sion of growth. Therefore, close monitoring of growth (height and weight) is recommended.
What does it do?
X There is some evidence that stimulant medications Stimulants have been shown to be useful in helping lower the seizure threshold, thereby increasing the individuals improve behaviors commonly associated X Individuals taking stimulant medications should not take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) at the same time or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI.
3. Improved concentration4. Improved fine motor coordination What are the dosages and forms?
As a treatment for ADHD, Adderall XR is not recom- mended for children under the age of 6. For children above the age of 6, dosages range from 10–30 mg/day, given as a single dose in the morning. Dosage is typi- cally increased in 5 mg increments until the desired Adderall XR is a controlled substance under DEA effect is obtained. Peak blood levels generally occur Schedule II (high potential for abuse; see Appendix C). in about 7 hours.
Pregnancy Risk Category C (risk cannot be ruled out; X Capsule form (Shire): Adderall XR (extended release), 5 mg (blue cap, clear body); 10 mg (blue What are the side effects?
cap, blue body); 15 mg (white cap, blue body); 20 mg (orange cap, orange body); 25 mg (white cap, Individuals taking Adderall XR may experience a wide orange body); 30 mg (orange cap, clear body).
range of side effects, including the following: 1. Nausea/upset stomach2. Headache3. Loss of appetite4. Irritability5. Dry mouth6. Insomnia X Sudden death has been reported in individuals who have structural heart defects or other serious heart conditions.
This fact sheet is not intended to cover all possible medication uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects and is not a substitute for specific medical advice or to be used as a guide for prescribing.
From Medication Fact Sheets: A Behavioral Medication Reference for Educators (4th ed.), 2012 by D.E. Konopasek, Champaign IL: Research Press (800-519-2707, www.researchpress.com).
REMERON (Mirtazapine)
What is it for?
What are the dosages and forms?
Remeron is an antidepressant and is used in the treat- The safety and effectiveness of Remeron in children ment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
and adolescents have not been determined and is What does it do?
therefore not approved for use in that age group. The usual adult dosage is 15–45 mg/day, given in a Remeron has the main effect of elevating mood, single bedtime dose. Remeron is rapidly absorbed and improving cognitive and psychomotor functioning, and reaches peak blood levels approximately 2 hours after increasing concentration. Pharmacologically, Remeron ingestion. As with many antidepressant medications, acts to stimulate the release and availability of the it may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effect neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin and of Remeron to become apparent.
to block specific serotonin receptor sites.
X Tablet form (Organon): 15 mg (oval, yellow); 30 mg (oval, reddish brown); 45 mg (oval, white). Tablets are embossed with the word Organon. Remeron is Pregnancy Risk Category C (risk cannot be ruled out; also available in an orally disintegrating form as Remeron SolTab (Organon): 15 mg (round, white); What are the side effects?
30 mg (round, white); 45 mg (round, white).
Individuals taking Remeron may experience a wide range of side effects, including these: 1. Drowsiness2. Increased appetite3. Increased appetite/weight gain4. Dizziness5. Dry mouth6. Upset stomach7. Agranulocytosis X Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious blood disorder in which a person’s white blood cell count drops precipitously, causing a serious risk of death because of lowered resistance to infection.
X It is recommended that Remeron not be taken in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing treat-ment with an MAOI. At least 14 days should be allowed after stopping Remeron before starting an MAOI.
X Individuals taking Remeron should be monitored closely for the potential of worsening depression or the emergence of suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly in the early stages of medication treat-ment or when dosages change.
This fact sheet is not intended to cover all possible medication uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects and is not a substitute for specific medical advice or to be used as a guide for prescribing.
From Medication Fact Sheets: A Behavioral Medication Reference for Educators (4th ed.), 2012 by D.E. Konopasek, Champaign IL: Research Press (800-519-2707, www.researchpress.com).
XANAX (Alprazolam)
Xanax is available in generic form. What are the dosages and forms?
What is it for?
The typical dosage range for adults taking Xanax is 1–6 mg/day, given in divided doses ( once- a- day dosing Xanax is an antianxiety medication used in the for Xanax XR). The safety and usefulness of Xanax in short- term treatment of anxiety and hypertension children under the age of 18 has not been determined. as well as panic disorder. It has also been used Peak blood levels of Xanax occur within about 1–2 for anxiety associated with depression, generalized hours after ingestion (Xanax XR has a slower absorp- anxiety disorder (GAD), and panic disorder.
tion rate), maintaining a therapeutic blood level for What does it do?
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant and X Tablet form (Pharmacia): 0.25 mg (oval, white); 0.5 thereby exerts a calming effect. It belongs to the drug mg (oval, peach); 1 mg (oval, blue); 2 mg (oblong, class benzodiazepine. Long- term use is not recom- scored in fourths, white). Tablets have the word XANAX imprinted on the surface. Xanax is avail-able in extended release form as Xanax XR, 0.5 mg (pentagonal, white); 1 mg (square, yellow); 2 mg Xanax is a controlled substance under DEA Schedule IV (round, blue); 3 mg (triangular, green).
(see Appendix C). Pregnancy Risk Category D (positive X Alprazolam is also available in orally disintegrating tablet form under the trade name NIRAVAM What are the side effects?
(Schwarz), 0.25 mg (round, yellow); 0.5 mg (round yellow); 1 mg (round white); 2 mg (round, white).
Individuals taking Xanax may experience a wide range of side effects, including the following: 1. Drowsiness2. Impaired coordination3. Fatigue4. Irritability5. Lightheadedness/dizziness6. Increased appetite X Withdrawal symptoms (cramping, vomiting, convulsions, sweating, etc.) have been reported following abrupt discontinuation of Xanax. Individuals who are prone to substance abuse/addiction should be monitored carefully when taking Xanax due to the possibility for psycho-logical and physiological dependence.
X Individuals with narrow- angle glaucoma should This fact sheet is not intended to cover all possible medication uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects and is not a substitute for specific medical advice or to be used as a guide for prescribing.
From Medication Fact Sheets: A Behavioral Medication Reference for Educators (4th ed.), 2012 by D.E. Konopasek, Champaign IL: Research Press (800-519-2707, www.researchpress.com).

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