Medications For ADHD
Medication can help people with ADHD focus, be less impulsive, and develop new abilities. They can also enhance the social interactions and school performance.
However, millions of people suffering from the condition are struggling to get their medicine due to shortages. Many are rationing their medications or stockpiling. A taskforce is attempting to solve the issue.
Stimulants
The drugs used to treat ADHD are categorized as stimulants. This means that they boost the levels of certain chemicals within the mind. This helps your brain to concentrate and stop you reacting to impulses.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed form of UK ADHD medication. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included within this group. Both work in a different manner, however, they both decrease the amount of dopamine released by the brain when an impulse occurs.
In Europe and in the UK The methylphenidate drug family is the most frequently used. It includes methylphenidate Hydrochloride, dexamfetamine dimesylate and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. These medications are available in short-acting or long-acting versions, 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.
In the year 2000, the government issued a national patient safety alert warning of shortages of these ADHD medication. The shortages resulted from both manufacturing problems and an increase in global demand. Certain products were not available for a while, but now supplies are again available.
As the availability of these ADHD medications increased as more adults were able get these medications. For the first time, adults in England are receiving these medications more than children. There is also an increasing number of women who have been diagnosed with ADHD as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and they are now being given these medications as well as their male counterparts.
More than 200,000 adults are now being treated with a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. This is just a small part of the estimated 2,6 million people in the UK with the condition. For many, the decision of whether or not to use meds is a decision that is personal. Some people decide to go the route of taking meds, while others opt for therapy and may never need or want to take medication.
There are also add adhd medications -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 transfers information between nerve cells. This medication can aid in concentration, and also reduce the amount of impulses. However it takes a few weeks for the effects to be felt in the brain. It's also more expensive than stimulants. Nevertheless, it is important for adults to be aware of the options available to them and to talk about this with their GP or ADHD service. They will be able to provide further information on what options are available for their families and for them. This is particularly important in light of the fact that the availability of these medications has been affected by the recent shortages in the UK.