Summary
Adderall XP is one of the most effective drugs that are been currently used in treating central nervous system complications. Adderal is simply dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, which is usually mixed with salts (RxList 2011). This drug contains some inactive ingredients and colors. These include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, gelatin capsules, sugar spheres, triethyl citrate, talc and opadry beige (Jiao 2009). As already mentioned, the brand name of the drug is Adderall XP. This drug is used as a Central Nervous System stimulant and is therefore vital in such therapeutic practices.
Adderall XP usually is a combination of neutral sulfate salts, which includes the amphetamine and dextroamphetamine with the dextro isomer of amphetamine saccharate as well as d,l-amphetamine aspartate monohydrate (RxList 2011). The Adderall XP capsule is composed of two beads which are designed such that they can give a delivery of the amphetamines which is double-pulsed. The amphetamines in this case prolong the release of the amphetamine when compared with the conventional Adderall tablet formulation, which is characterized by an immediate release (Chew, Hales &Yudofsky 2009).
Mechanism of Action & Indications for use: Usual route, administration & dose & contraindications, side effects, adverse effect, drug interactions
Adderall XP dosage is determined by the problems that the drug is aimed to solve. The drug should be administered at the lowest most effective levels (Drug Information Online, 2000). This helps in minimizing the negative impacts the drug has on an individual. In fact, prolonged intake of the drug can really lead to heart failure.
Adderall XR can be allergic to some people. Therefore, it is necessary for one to inform the pharmacist whether one is allergic to sympathomimetic drugs (RxList 2011). In other words, the drug contains some ingredients which may react to some people. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions before taking the drug.
Despite the effectiveness of the drug, it suffers from limitations based on its side effects. However, these effects are reduced by following the prescriptions correctly while using the drug. The main negative effect of the drug is that it is allergic to some people. One of the main symptoms is difficulty in breathing. The victims experience difficulties in breathing that may be mild or severe. In case this symptom reveals itself, it is advisable for the victims to seek emergency medical help. Another side effect of Adderall XR is swelling of the face, tongue, throat or lips. Again, patients should seek medical advice in case any of these symptoms are identified. Other effects are very dangerous and it is advisable to stop taking the drug immediately in case one of them is identified. This includes uneven heartbeats, fainting, and high blood pressure. It is recommended that one sees their doctors immediately after one of these symptoms is identified since they can lead to death. In this case, high blood pressure is characterized by headache, severe pains in the chest or blurred vision (Jiao 2009).
Another side effect of the drug is loss of appetite and stomach complications. One may also experience nausea and vomiting while taking the drug. There is also a possibility of experiencing diarrhea and nervousness. In case these mild effects persist for a very long time. It is always advisable to seek advice from the doctor.
Nurse management
As already noted, Adderall XP has a wide range of side effects on an individual. It is, therefore, necessary to have close attention to the people under medication. Individuals undergoing this medication should not undergo surgery. Therefore, the doctor should access such information before taking the surgery. Individuals under this medication should also take the responsibility of informing the doctor that they are under medication. In case any abnormal effects are diagnosed, the doctors have the responsibility to take the necessary action early enough before the condition worsens. It is also advisable to give the patients enough information and directions on the use of the drug. Patients should also be informed of the dangerous side effects of the drug so that they can stop and seek medical advice in case the disease persists.
Since this drug can affect the growth rate in terms of both height and weight in children, the doctors are advised to recommend temporarily stopping the medication accordingly in children. This drug also passes into breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should refrain from suckling while under medication to avoid undesirable effects on children (Doyle 2006).
In order to avoid any complications, this medication should not be used by people who have certain medical issues. For instance, it should not be used by people who are suffering from psychosis or agitation. People who have ever experienced heart complications in their health history are also discouraged from taking this medication. This is because the drug tends to worsen their situation since it has heart-related side effects.
Adderall XR also causes dizziness. It is therefore recommended that people under medication should refrain from activities that demand alertness. For instance, one should not drive while taking this drug. It is also not advisable to operate machines while under medication. If the patient follows correct directions, the impacts through the side effects are reduced.
Reference List
Chew, R., Hales, R. and Yudofsky, S. (2009). What Your Patients Need To Know About Psychiatric Medications, Volume 1. U.S.A.: American Psychiatric Pub.
Doyle, B. (2006). Understanding and Treating Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. U.S.A.: American Psychiatric Pub.
Drug Information Online. (2000). Adderall XR Dosage. Web.
Jiao, X. (2009). Myocardial Infarction Associated with Adderall XR and Alcohol Use in a Young Man. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 22 (5): 590-689
RxList. (2011). Adderall XR Drug Description. Web.