Peer Responses – ADHD Medication

Peer Responses – ADHD Medication

Response 1

Hello,

This is a great post. Your analysis of methylphenidate’s mechanism and its benefits for Malcolm is comprehensive. However, while methylphenidate effectively increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels, it may not be suitable for all children with ADHD due to its side effect profile. For instance, side effects such as decreased appetite and insomnia can significantly impact a child’s growth and development (Magnus et al., 2023). Additionally, while you mentioned its quick action, immediate-release formulations requiring multiple doses can lead to compliance issues in a school setting (Stevens et al., 2019). Furthermore, the risk of abuse and potential for addiction cannot be overlooked, particularly in young children who may be more vulnerable.

Alternative Perspective

Conversely, there are SSRI drugs such as atomoxetine that have a minor tendency towards abuse and demonstrate minimal undesirable effects on sleep and appetite. They also have extended durations of action, which may benefit patients who require optimal relief from symptoms for several hours during the day and are not able to take several (Roh & Kim, 2021). This could be a better approach to managing Malcolm’s ADHD and possibly reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes while at the same time ensuring the child complies with the treatment regimens.

References

Magnus, W., Nazir, S., Anilkumar, A. C., & Shaban, K. (2023, August 8). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838/

Roh, H., & Kim, B. (2021). A Brief Replication Study Comparing Stimulants and Non-Stimulants for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment with a Focus on the Compliance, Efficacy, and Satisfaction. Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 32(1), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.200024

Stevens, T., Sangkuhl, K., Brown, J. T., Altman, R. B., & Klein, T. E. (2019). PharmGKB summary. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics, 29(6), 136–154. https://doi.org/10.1097/fpc.0000000000000376

Response 2

Hello,

Thank you for your post. Your discussion on the disadvantages of amphetamines, including their potential for abuse and side effects, is well-articulated. The legal and ethical considerations are indeed significant, particularly the high potential for abuse and the need for careful monitoring (Martin & Le, 2023). However, it is important to consider that amphetamines also offer significant benefits for patients with ADHD, including improved focus, reduced hyperactivity, and better impulse control.

Alternative Perspective

While non-stimulants like atomoxetine may have fewer risks of abuse, they are not without drawbacks. Non-stimulants can take several weeks to become effective, which can be challenging for patients requiring immediate symptom relief (Nazarova et al., 2022). Additionally, they may cause side effects such as fatigue and gastrointestinal disturbances, which can impact a patient’s daily functioning (Nanda et al., 2023). Therefore, while amphetamines have their risks, their efficacy in rapidly improving ADHD symptoms makes them a valuable treatment option for many patients.

References

Martin, D., & Le, J. K. (2023, July 31). Amphetamine. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103/

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

Nazarova, V. A., Sokolov, A. V., Chubarev, V. N., Tarasov, V. V., & Schiöth, H. B. (2022). Treatment of ADHD: Drugs, Psychological therapies, devices, Complementary and Alternative Methods as Well as the Trends in Clinical Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13(13). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1066988

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We’ll write everything from scratch

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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 with 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.

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