Medications For ADHD
Medication can help people with ADHD focus, be less impulsive and also learn new abilities. They can also help improve the performance of students and social interactions.
Due to the shortages of medication, millions of people are unable to obtain their medication. Many are rationing their medication or stockpiling. However, a taskforce is working to help ease the burden.
Stimulants
The medications used to treat ADHD are classified as stimulants. This means that they boost the levels of certain chemicals in the mind. This allows you to manage your thoughts and focus on the task at the moment.
The stimulants are the most commonly used type of ADHD medication used in the UK. They are a class of drugs that include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin), and the amphetamine salts family (like Adderall). They work in different ways but both work by reducing the amount of dopamine that is released by the brain after you experience an impulse.
In Europe and in the UK The methylphenidate drug family is the most commonly used. It comprises methylphenidate hydrochloride dimesylate dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. They are available as short or long acting medications, or as an amalgamation of both known as 'immediate release or modified release'. Short-acting tablets typically last for two to three hours, while modified release tablets can be taken for up to 12 hours.
The government last year issued a national safety alert warning of shortages of these ADHD medication. The shortages were caused by manufacturing issues and increased global demand. Certain products were not available for a time but they are now again available.
As the supply of these ADHD medications improved, more adults were able receive them. For the first time adults in England are receiving these drugs more than children. This means that an increasing number women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are now receiving the same medication as their male counterparts.
In the UK there are more than 200,000 adults receive stimulant ADHD medications. However, this is just a tiny fraction of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK who suffer from the condition. The decision to either take or not take medication is often an individual decision. adhd medication adults uk prefer to take medication, whereas others prefer therapy.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications available, which have a different impact on the body. This kind of medication boosts the noradrenaline levels in the brain. Noradrenaline is a messenger chemical that transmits 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 begin to manifest in the brain. It's also more expensive than stimulants. Nevertheless, it is 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 also provide more information on the options available for them and their family. This is especially important due to the fact that the availability of these medications has been impacted by the recent UK-wide shortages.