Medications For ADHD
Medicines can aid people suffering from ADHD to focus, be less impulsive and acquire 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 medication because of shortages. Many are stockpiling or rationing supplies. But a taskforce is trying to solve the issue.
Stimulants
The medications used to treat ADHD are typically classified as stimulants, which means they increase the levels certain chemicals in the brain. This allows your brain focus and stop your brain from reacting to impulses.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed form of UK ADHD medication. They are a class of medications that comprise the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin), and amphetamine salts (like Adderall). Both drugs work in a different way, but both reduce the amount of dopamine released by the brain during an impulse.
The methylphenidate medication family is the most frequently used in Europe and the UK. It includes methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations, or a combination called "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets generally last about two to three hours, whereas modified release medications can last up to 12 hours.
Last year the government issued an alert to patients warning about shortages of these ADHD medication. This was due to both manufacturing issues and increased global demand. Certain products were not available for a time however, now they are back in stock.
As click this link now of ADHD medications improved as more adults were able to access them. For the first time, adults in England are receiving these medications more often than children. This means that more women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are receiving the same medications as their male counterparts.
More than 200,000 adults are now being treated with a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. This is a tiny part of the estimated 2,6 million people living in the UK suffering from the condition. For many, the choice of whether or not to take medication is a personal decision. Some people choose to go the route of taking meds, while others choose therapy and may never require or desire to take meds.
There are also nonstimulant ADHD medicines available with a different effect on the body. This type of medication increases noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This medication can aid in 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. However, it is essential 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 provide additional guidance on the options available for their families and for them. This is particularly important, because the recent shortages in the UK have impacted the availability of these medications.