Medications For ADHD
Medication can help people suffering from ADHD focus, be less impulsive, and develop new skills. They can also help improve school performance and social interactions.
Due to the shortages, millions of people aren't able to access their medication. Many are rationing their supplies or stockpiling. A taskforce is working to help ease the situation.
Stimulants
The medications used to treat ADHD are typically classified as stimulants. This means they increase the levels certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you control your impulses 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 which include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin), and the amphetamine salts family (like Adderall). They function in various ways, but they both of them work by reducing the amount of dopamine that is released in the brain after you experience an impulse.
The methylphenidate family of medications is the most widely used in Europe and the UK. adhd medication includes methylphenidate as well as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are available in short-acting and long-acting forms or in a combination known as "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets typically last for two to three hours, whereas modified release medications are able to be used for up to 12 hours.
In the last year the government issued a warning to patients warning of shortages in these ADHD medications. This was due to both manufacturing issues and a rising global demand. Some products were unavailable for a time however, now they are again available.
As the availability of ADHD medication increased, more adults could receive these medications. For the first time adults in England are now receiving these medications more frequently than children. There is also a growing number of women who have been diagnosed with ADHD due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they are now being given these medications as well as their male counterparts.
In the UK, more than 200,000 people are prescribed stimulant ADHD medication. However, this is just a tiny portion of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK with the condition. The decision to either take or not take medication is often a personal choice. Some people opt to take medication, while others opt for therapy.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications available, which have a different effect on the body. This kind of medication boosts noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This medication can help with concentration, and lower impulses. However it takes a few weeks for the effects to take place in the brain. It's also more expensive than stimulants. However, it is essential for adults to be aware of the options available to them and to discuss it with their GP or ADHD service. They will be able to provide additional guidance on what options are available for them and their families. This is especially important due to the fact that the availability of these drugs is being affected by recent UK-wide shortages.