Medications For ADHD
Medication can help people suffering from ADHD concentrate, feel less impulsive, and develop new skills. They can also improve the performance of students and social interactions.
However, millions of people suffering from the condition are struggling to get their medicine due to shortages. Many are stockpiling or rationing supplies. A taskforce is attempting to ease the situation.
Stimulants
Medications used to treat ADHD are usually classed as stimulants. This means they increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you to control your thoughts and focus on the task at being done.
The stimulants are the most common type of ADHD medication used in the UK. They are a group of medications that comprise the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin), and amphetamine salts (like Adderall). Both work in a different way however, they both decrease the amount of dopamine released in the brain when an impulse occurs.
In Europe and in the UK The methylphenidate drug family is the most frequently used. It comprises methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and the lisdexamfetamine. They are available as short acting or long acting medications or as a combination of the two called 'immediate release' and'modified release'. Short-acting tablets last between two and three hours. how does medication for adhd work can last for up to 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 increased global demand. Certain products were unavailable for a time however, supplies have since returned.
As the supply of ADHD medications improved and more adults were able to receive these medications. This meant that for the first time ever, more adults than children are receiving these medicines in England. There are also an increasing number of women diagnosed with ADHD as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and they are now being given these drugs as well as their male counterparts.
More than 200,000 adults are now receiving a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. This is a tiny part of the estimated 2,6 million people in the UK with the condition. The decision to take or not take medication is often an individual decision. Some people prefer to take medication, whereas others prefer therapy.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medication options, which have a different effect on the body. This kind of medication boosts noradrenaline levels in the brain, which is a messenger chemical that transfers information between nerve cells. This medication can help with concentration, and also reduce the amount of impulses. However it takes a few weeks for the effects to be felt in the brain. It is also more costly than stimulants. It is still crucial that adults are aware of their options and discuss the options with their doctors or ADHD services. They will be able to provide additional guidance on the available options for their families and for them. This is crucial due to the fact that the availability of these medications has been affected by the recent shortages in the UK.