Medications For ADHD
The use of medication can help those with ADHD concentrate, feel less impulsive and also learn new abilities. They can also improve the performance of students and social interactions.
Due to the shortages of medication, millions of people aren't able to access their medications. Many are storing up or rationing items. A taskforce is working to help ease the situation.
Stimulants
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 to concentrate and stop reacting to impulses.
The stimulants are the most commonly used type of ADHD medication used in the UK. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included in this category. They function in different ways but both reduce the amount of dopamine which 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 comprises methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are available in either short-acting or long-acting versions or a combination of "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets last between two and three hours. Modified release medications can last for up to twelve hours.
The government last year issued a national patient safety alert about the possibility of shortages of these ADHD drugs. This was due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand. Certain products were not available for a period of time but they are now available again.
As the supply of these ADHD medications increased, more adults were able to access these medications. This means that for the first time ever, more adults than children are receiving these medicines in England. In the process, an increasing number women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are now 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. However, this is still just a tiny portion of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK who suffer from the condition. The choice to take or not take medication is often an individual choice. Some people choose to take medications, whereas others choose to seek therapy.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications that have a different impact on the body. This type of medication increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline is a chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This medication can help with concentration and reduce impulses. However a fantastic read takes a few weeks for the effects to be felt in the brain. It is also more costly 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 can give more details on the options available to them and their families. This is particularly important given that the recent shortages in the UK have impacted the availability of these medications.
