Imipramine
(Tricyclic Antidepressant)
Uses: ASD, ADHD, Panic disorder, Separation anxiety disorder, and Social
phobia
Complications: Orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, weight gain,
and decreased seizure threshold
Precautions: Careful using with seizure disorders and cardiac dysrhythmias
Effectiveness:
DECREASE IN: anger, compulsiveness, and hyperactivity
INCREASE in attention span
Administration: Take at bedtime (to minimize daytime sleepiness)
Nursing interventions: 1 week supply at a time, monitor for suicidal
identifications
Teaching: Change positions slowly, taper off slowly, do not drive until effects
are known
, Amphetamine Compound (Adderall)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
CNS Stimulants
Uses: ADHD
Complications: Insomnia, restlessness, weight loss, appetite suppression, and
cardiac dysrhythmias
Precautions: Careful use with patients that have cardiac diseases and severe
anxiety/ psychosis
Effectiveness: Increased ability to focus and complete tasks, improved peer
interactions, and less impulsiveness
Administration: Last dose @4pm, remove patch after 9 hours, give 30-45 min
before meal
Nursing interventions: alternate placement of patch, monitor BP/ cardiac
rhythm, and monitor for hallucinations.
Teaching: Avoid caffeine and alcohol, do not stop abruptly, do not
chew/crush, safe storage
(Tricyclic Antidepressant)
Uses: ASD, ADHD, Panic disorder, Separation anxiety disorder, and Social
phobia
Complications: Orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, weight gain,
and decreased seizure threshold
Precautions: Careful using with seizure disorders and cardiac dysrhythmias
Effectiveness:
DECREASE IN: anger, compulsiveness, and hyperactivity
INCREASE in attention span
Administration: Take at bedtime (to minimize daytime sleepiness)
Nursing interventions: 1 week supply at a time, monitor for suicidal
identifications
Teaching: Change positions slowly, taper off slowly, do not drive until effects
are known
, Amphetamine Compound (Adderall)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
CNS Stimulants
Uses: ADHD
Complications: Insomnia, restlessness, weight loss, appetite suppression, and
cardiac dysrhythmias
Precautions: Careful use with patients that have cardiac diseases and severe
anxiety/ psychosis
Effectiveness: Increased ability to focus and complete tasks, improved peer
interactions, and less impulsiveness
Administration: Last dose @4pm, remove patch after 9 hours, give 30-45 min
before meal
Nursing interventions: alternate placement of patch, monitor BP/ cardiac
rhythm, and monitor for hallucinations.
Teaching: Avoid caffeine and alcohol, do not stop abruptly, do not
chew/crush, safe storage
