Medications For ADHD
Medications can help people with ADHD to concentrate, be less impulsive and develop new skills. They can also help improve the social interactions and school performance.
But millions of people with the disease are struggling to obtain their medicine due to shortages. Many are rationing their supplies or stockpiling. A taskforce is working to ease the situation.
Stimulants
Treatments for ADHD are typically classified as stimulants, which means they boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. source for this article allows you to manage your impulses and concentrate on the task at the moment.
The stimulants are the most commonly used type of ADHD medication that is prescribed in the UK. 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 different ways, but they both of them work by reducing the amount of dopamine that is released in the brain when you have an impulse.
The methylphenidate family of medicines is the most frequently used in Europe and the UK. It comprises methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations or in a combination known as "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets generally last about two to three hours, while modified release medicines can last up to 12 hours.
Last year the government issued a national patient safety alert advising of the upcoming shortage of these ADHD medications. The shortages were caused by manufacturing issues and increase in global demand. Certain products were unavailable for a period of time however, supplies have since resumed.
As the number of ADHD medications increased, more adults were able to get these medications. linked webpage means that for the first time more adults than children are receiving these drugs in England. There are also source for this article increasing number of women diagnosed with ADHD as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and they are now being given these medicines as are their male counterparts.
In the UK there are more than 200,000 adults are on stimulant ADHD medications. This is just a small portion of the estimated 2,6 million people in the UK who suffer from the condition. For many, the choice of whether or not to use meds is a personal one. Some people opt to take medications, whereas others opt for therapy.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications available, which have a different effect on the body. This kind of medication boosts noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This can help improve concentration and decrease of impulses. However, it takes several weeks for it to be effective on the brain and this is the reason why non-stimulant ADHD medications are often required to be monitored by a psychiatrist more closely. It is also more expensive than stimulants. However, it is essential for adults to be aware of the options available for them and to discuss this with their GP or ADHD service. They can provide more information on the options available for them and their families. This is especially important considering that the availability of these medications is being affected by recent shortages in the UK.