An adult patient will begin taking atomoxetine (Strattera) for ...

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An adult patient will begin taking atomoxetine (Strattera) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. What will the nurse teach this patient?
 
  a. Appetite suppression does not occur, because this drug is not a stimulant.
  b. Stopping the drug abruptly will cause an abstinence syndrome.
  c. Suicidal thoughts may occur and should be reported to the provider.
  d. Therapeutic effects may not be felt for 1 or 2 weeks after beginning therapy.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching the parents of a child who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder about methylphenidate (Concerta). Which statement by the child's parents indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. The effects of this drug will wear off in 4 to 6 hours.
  b. The tablet needs to be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
  c. This medication has fewer side effects than amphetamines.
  d. We should call the provider if we see parts of the medicine in our child's stools.

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Atomoxetine is a selective inhibitor of norepinephrine (NE) reuptake, and its effects probably are the result of adaptive changes that occur after uptake blockade, which can take 1 to 2 weeks. Appetite suppression is an adverse effect of this drug. Atomoxetine does not have abuse potential, and abstinence syndrome does not occur when it is withdrawn. Suicidal thoughts may occur in children and adolescents but not in adults.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Concerta tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved in liquids. This is a long-duration preparation with effects that last 10 to 12 hours. Methylphenidate has the same actions and adverse effects as amphetamines. The tablet shell may not fully dissolve in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; therefore, tablet ghosts in the stool are normal.

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