ABOUT COURSE
This course delves into psychopharmacology of Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) specifically approved for the treatment of ADHD, enhancing attention and reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents.
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
This course aims to enhance the clinical skills of psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers by providing the knowledge to prescribe and manage Atomoxetine therapy effectively and safely.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about brand names under which Atomoxetine is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names under which Atomoxetine is available in the market.
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Atomoxetine.
- Know the dosages of all potential off-label uses.
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Atomoxetine in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Atomoxetine correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Atomoxetine.
- Understand how Atomoxetine works in the brain to treat ADHD and other conditions.
- Discuss the impact of Atomoxetine on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Atomoxetine is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about the distribution of Atomoxetine in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of Atomoxetine.
- Elimination: Understand how Atomoxetine is eliminated from the body.
- Half–life: Know the half-life of Atomoxetine and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Atomoxetine and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Atomoxetine due to drug interactions.
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Atomoxetine.
- Understand potential life-threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn the conditions under which Atomoxetine should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with partial response to Atomoxetine.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Atomoxetine therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests to monitor patients on Atomoxetine.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Atomoxetine.
Overdose:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of Atomoxetine overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies.
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Atomoxetine to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow the best protocols based on decades of clinical practice to safely taper Atomoxetine.
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Atomoxetine to special populations such as pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, cardiac impairment, elderly, and children.
- Tailor Atomoxetine dosage for special populations considering their unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Atomoxetine use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn about essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand the most important facts about Atomoxetine based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
