Medications For ADHD
Medicines can aid people suffering from ADHD to focus, feel less impulsive and acquire new skills. They can also help improve the performance of students and social interactions.
However, millions of people suffering from the condition are struggling to get their medicine because of shortages. Many are stockpiling or rationing items. However, a taskforce is working to help ease the burden.
Stimulants
Medications used to treat ADHD are usually classed as stimulants. This means they boost the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you control your impulses and focus on the task at being done.
The stimulants are the most commonly used type of ADHD medication that is prescribed in the UK. They are a class of medications that comprise the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin) as well as the amphetamine salts family (like Adderall). Both work in a different manner, but both reduce the amount of dopamine released in the brain when an impulse occurs.
The methylphenidate family of medicines is the most frequently used in Europe and the UK. It includes methylphenidate as well as dexamfetamine, and the lisdexamfetamine. They are available as short or long acting medications or as two medications known as 'immediate release and modified release. Short-acting tablets last between two and three hours. Modified release medications can last as long as twelve hours.
In the year 2000 the government issued an alert to patients warning of shortages in these ADHD medications. This was due to manufacturing issues and a rising global demand. Some products were completely unavailable for a time however, supplies have since been restored.
As add adhd medications of these ADHD medications improved as more adults were able receive these medications. For the first time, adults in England are receiving these medications more often than children. This means that an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are now receiving the same medication as their male counterparts.
In the UK, more than 200,000 adults are on stimulant ADHD medications. But, this is just a tiny fraction of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK who suffer from the condition. The decision to take or not take medication is often a personal choice. Some people choose to take the route of taking meds, while others choose to pursue therapy and never require or desire to take meds.
There are also nonstimulant ADHD medications available with a different effect 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 help with concentration and reduce impulses. However it takes a few 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 provide additional guidance on what options are available for their families and for them. This is especially important in light of the fact that the availability of these medications has been impacted by the recent shortages in the UK.