Discussion Assignment

Please select two of the below medication classes.  Your primary post should outline arguments both for and against the medication class in BOTH patient cases below. 

Pro

Amphetamine

Methylphenidate

Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

Non-Stimulant

Con

Amphetamine

Methylphenidate

Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

Non-Stimulant

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 to your class of medication (options for different administration, length of duration, etc.)?
• What are the advantages or disadvantages to the other medication options?
• What possible side effects or considerations need to be evaluated?
• Provide oneexample for each consideration—legal, ethical, and social implications—for prescribing the medication category.

Patient 1:

Malcolm is a 9-year-old male in the 4th grade at the public elementary school. Malcolm has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, combined presentation. Malcolm struggles with being fidgety and hyperactive; he often gets into trouble at school for blurting out answers, getting out of his desk when he should not be, and hitting other children when upset. Malcolm also has a hard time focusing on anything other than video games at home. His parents report homework takes “all night” though it should only take 30 minutes. Malcolm has assigned chores but often gets distracted. For example, Malcolm was to take out the trash but got distracted in the driveway while taking out the trash and left the full bag in the driveway. He often misplaces the combination code for the lock on the house door.

Patient 2:

Jessica is a 32-year-old female that was recently diagnosed with ADHD. She was referred to your office by the psychologist that completed the ADHD assessment. Jessica has always struggled in school and jobs. She is often “written up” at her job for not completing tasks that are assigned to her. She becomes easily distracted by her other co-workers. She finds herself spending a lot of time conversing with colleagues. Her colleagues are frequently annoyed with her for constantly talking to them and interrupting their work and tasks. Jessica is here to discuss medication options to treat ADHD.