Medications For ADHD
Medication can help people suffering from ADHD focus, be less impulsive, and develop new abilities. They can also enhance social interactions and school performance.
Due to the shortages, millions of people are unable to obtain their medication. Many are storing up or rationing the supplies. But a taskforce is trying to help ease the burden.
Stimulants
Medications used to treat ADHD are generally classified as stimulants, meaning they increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you control your thoughts and focus on the task at hand.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed type of UK ADHD medication. They are a group of drugs which include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin) as well as the amphetamine salts family (like Adderall). They function in various ways, but both reduce the amount of dopamine that is released in the brain after you experience an impulse.
The methylphenidate family of medicines is the most frequently used in Europe and the UK. It includes methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and the lisdexamfetamine. These medications are available in short-acting or long-acting formulations, or a combination called "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets typically last for two to three hours, while modified release medications can be taken for up to 12 hours.
The government last year issued a nationwide patient safety alert advising of the upcoming shortage of these ADHD medication. The shortages resulted from manufacturing issues as well as an increasing demand in the world. Certain products were unavailable for a time however, supplies have since returned.
As the supply of ADHD medication increased, more adults could get them. For the first time adults in England are receiving these drugs more often than children. There is also an increasing number of women who have been diagnosed with ADHD as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic and are now being treated with these medications as well as their male counterparts.
In the UK more than 200,000 adults receive stimulant ADHD medications. This is just a small portion of the 2,6 million people living in the UK suffering from the condition. For many, the choice of whether or not to take meds is a personal one. Some people opt to take medications, whereas others opt for therapy.
There are also adhd medication uk -stimulant ADHD medications available, which have a different impact on the body. This type of medication raises the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline is a messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This can aid in concentration and lowering of impulses. However, it takes several weeks to be effective on the brain. This is the reason why non-stimulant ADHD medication often needs to be monitored by a psychiatrist more closely. It's also more expensive than stimulants. Nevertheless, it is important for adults to be aware of the options available to them and to discuss this with their GP or ADHD service. They will be able to give further guidance on what options are available for parents and children. This is particularly important due to the fact that the availability of these drugs has been impacted by the recent shortages in the UK.