Medications For ADHD
The use of medication can assist people suffering from ADHD to concentrate, feel less impulsive and learn new skills. They can also improve school performance and social interactions.
Due to shortages many people are not able to get their medications. Many are storing up or rationing the supplies. However, a taskforce is working to help ease the burden.
Stimulants
Medications used to treat ADHD are usually classed as stimulants, meaning they increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you control your impulses and concentrate on the task at the moment.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed type of UK ADHD medication. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included in this group. They function in various ways, but they both work by reducing the amount of dopamine that is released by the brain when you experience an impulse.
In Europe and in the UK in the UK and Europe, the methylphenidate family is the most frequently used. It includes methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and the lisdexamfetamine. These are available in short-acting or long-acting versions, or a combination called "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets generally last about two to three hours, whereas modified release medicines are able to be used for up to 12 hours.
In the last year, the government issued an alert to patients warning of shortages of these ADHD drugs. This was due to both manufacturing issues as well as the increase in global demand. Some products were unavailable for a while, but now supplies are back in stock.
As the supply of ADHD medication increased, more adults were able get them. This means that for the first time, more adults than children are receiving these medications in England. In the process, an increasing number women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are receiving the same medication as their male counterparts.
More than 200,000 adults are being treated with a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. However, this is still just a tiny fraction of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK with the condition. For many, the choice of whether or not to use meds is a decision that is personal. Some people choose to go down the meds route, while others opt for therapy and may never need or want to take meds.
There are also over the counter adhd medication -stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and they have a different impact on the body. This type of medication raises the noradrenaline levels in the brain. Noradrenaline acts as a messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This medication can aid in concentration, and lower impulses. However it takes several weeks for the effects to be felt in the brain. It's also more expensive than stimulants. It is nevertheless important for adults to be aware of the options available for them and to talk about this with their GP or ADHD service. They can give further guidance on the options available for parents and children. This is especially important, given that the recent shortages in the UK have impacted the availability of these drugs.