Which of the following medications for ADHD is long acting and is not active until first metabolized by the liver?

Methylphenidate derivatives and amphetamine salts are both used in the treatment of ADHD and have a similar mechanism of action. Which of the following explains the primary difference in their mechanism?

You’ve been treating Mr. Smith for 6 months for alcohol abuse, with reduction in his drinking. He is drinking a case of beer per day, which is decreased from 20 beers a day. He presents today for follow up and is slightly confused, has a unusual gait, and you notice his eyes are tremoring. His last drink was just before his appointment. What do you suspect is happening and how would the emergency room treat this?

Mr. Stevens presents to your office for help stopping alcohol. He has tried to quit multiple times himself, with no success. He was just released from a detox unit and has not had a drink in 6 weeks, but has intense cravings. He states “I really need to quit this time, my doctor told me I have pretty bad cirrhosis and I’ll die if I don’t quit”. He has no other significant medical history. Which medication would you choose to start Mr. Stevens on?

Which of the following mediation mimics a natural part of our sleep cycle?

A patient with schizophrenia presents to your office during a psychotic episode and is not taking any medication. His mother reports that he has not been eating much recently and spends most of his time on the porch smoking cigarettes. He has not been aggressive and she feels she can give him his medication. Based on his information, which atypical antipsychotic would be most appropriate to give this patient at this time?

Your patient, with a heroin addiction, calls to say he is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Which of the following statements would you make to him?

CU is a 35 year-old male with schizophrenia who develops severe restlessness and is observed repeatedly sitting, standing and pacing after his dose of Zyprexa was increased to 20mg QHS.  Since this corresponded so closely to the medication change, you suspect he is experiencing akathisia as a side effect.  Which of the following medications can be used to treat symptoms of akathisia?

What adverse side effects do most second generation antipsychotics share that differs from most first generation drugs?

A patient with schizophrenia has been stabilized on medication but is complaining that he is so tired and sleepy all the time that he no longer wants to take it.  Which of the following medications might be a good option and least likely to cause sedation?