Medications For ADHD
Medications can help people with ADHD to concentrate, reduce impulsivity and acquire new skills. They can also help improve the performance of students and social interactions.
But millions of people with the disease are struggling to obtain their medicine because of shortages. Many are rationing their medication or stockpiling. But visit our website is trying to solve the issue.
Stimulants
The medications used to treat ADHD are categorized as stimulants. This means they increase the levels certain chemicals in the mind. This allows you to manage your impulses and focus on the task at being done.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed form of UK ADHD medication. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included in this category. Both drugs function in a different way, but they both reduce the amount of dopamine released by the brain when an impulse occurs.
In Europe and the UK in the UK and Europe, the methylphenidate family is the most frequently used. It comprises methylphenidate hydrochloride dexamfetamine dimesylate and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. They are available as short acting or long-acting medicines, or as a combination of the two called 'immediate release and modified release. Short-acting tablets typically last for two to three hours, whereas modified release medications can last up to 12 hours.
Last year the government issued a national patient safety alert advising of the upcoming shortage of these ADHD medication. The shortages were due to both manufacturing problems and an increased global demand. Certain products were unavailable for a short period however, supplies have since resumed.
As the supply of ADHD medication increased, more adults were able to take these medications. This means that for the first time, more adults than children are receiving these drugs in England. There are also an increasing number of women who have been diagnosed with ADHD due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are now being given these medicines as are their male counterparts.
In the UK, more than 200,000 people are prescribed stimulant ADHD medications. This is only a small portion of the 2 million people in the UK suffering from the condition. For many, the choice of whether or not to use meds is a personal decision. Some people choose to go the meds route, while others choose to pursue therapy and never require or desire to take meds.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medication options, which have a different impact on the body. This type of medication increases noradrenaline levels in the brain, which is a messenger chemical that transfers information between nerve cells. This medication can improve concentration, and also reduce the amount of impulses. However, it takes several weeks for the effects to begin to manifest in the brain. It is also more expensive than stimulants. Nevertheless, it is important for adults to be aware of the options available for them and to discuss this with their GP or ADHD service. They can also provide more information about the options available to them and their families. This is particularly important given that the recent shortages in the UK have affected the availability of these drugs.