Medications For ADHD
Medications can help people with ADHD to concentrate, feel less impulsive and develop new skills. They can also enhance school performance and social interactions.
However, millions of people suffering from the illness are struggling to access their medicine due to shortages. how does medication for adhd work are rationing their medications or stockpiling. A taskforce is working to help ease the situation.
Stimulants
The drugs used to treat ADHD are classified as stimulants. This means they increase the levels certain chemicals that are present in the brain. This allows you to manage your impulses and focus on the task at being done.
The stimulants are the most common kind of ADHD medication used in the UK. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included within this group. They function in different ways but both reduce the amount of dopamine that is released by the brain when you experience an impulse.
The methylphenidate family of medicines is the most frequently used in Europe and the UK. It comprises methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and the lisdexamfetamine. These are available in either short-acting or long-acting versions, or a combination called "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets generally last about two to three hours, whereas modified release tablets can be taken for up to 12 hours.
In the year 2000, the government issued a national patient safety alert about the possibility of shortages of these ADHD medications. The shortages were caused by both manufacturing problems and an increasing demand in the world. Certain products were unavailable for a short period but supply has since been restored.
As the availability of these ADHD medications improved as more adults were able to receive these medications. This meant that for the first time, more adults than children are receiving these medications in England. This means that an increasing number women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are receiving the same medications as their male counterparts.
More than 200,000 adults are now being treated with stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. This is just a small portion of the estimated 2,6 million people living in the UK with the condition. For many, the decision of whether or not to use meds is a personal decision. Some people prefer to take medications, whereas others prefer therapy.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and they have a different impact on the body. This kind of medication boosts noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of messenger chemical that transfers information between nerve cells. This medication can aid in concentration, and lower impulses. However it takes a few weeks for the effects to take place in the brain. It is also more expensive than stimulants. It is still vital that adults are aware of their options and can discuss these with their GPs or ADHD services. They can provide additional guidance on the options available for their families and for them. This is especially important, due to the recent shortages in the UK have affected the availability of these drugs.