Amphetamines - Narcolepsy

Amphetamines are a class of medications that are used for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy.  Narcolepsy is a condition where individuals have a sudden and uncontrollable periods of sleepiness during daytime hours.  Narcolepsy can result in challenges at work and/or school and can be dangerous during high risk activities such as driving.

Class Drugs

• Armodafinil

• Modafinil

Class Mechanism of Action

Precise mechanism is not fully understood. Unlike classic amphetamines, modafinil and armodafinil do not primarily work by stimulating presynaptic release of dopamine and norepinephrine.

• Thought to weakly inhibit the dopamine transporter (DAT), increasing synaptic dopamine

• Also affects hypothalamic orexin and histamine pathways involved in promoting wakefulness

Class Application

Narcolepsy

• Rare, uncontrollable periods of sleepiness

• Cataplexy is a condition related to narcolepsy that is characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, which is usually stimulated by strong emotions

Class Adverse Effects

Addiction

• Tolerance, dependence, and drug-seeking behavior is seen with these medications

Diversion

• Parents or other family members may use the medications

• Patients may sell the medication

Dizziness, anxiety, tremor, hyperreflexia, psychosis

Palpitations, arrhythmias, hypertension

Anorexia

• Children may have difficulty gaining weight on these medications

Nausea

Contraindications

• Hyperthyroidism

• Cardiovascular disease

• Glaucoma

• Hypertension

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Armodafinil	Narcolepsy		"Arm" "Modelo Beer" "Final"
Modafinil	Narcolepsy		"Modelo Beer" "Final"