Medications For ADHD
Medication can help people with ADHD focus, be less impulsive, and learn new skills. They can also improve the social interactions and school performance.
But millions of people with the illness are struggling to access their medication due to shortages. Many are storing or rationing their items. But a taskforce is trying to help ease the burden.
Stimulants
Suggested Studying used to treat ADHD are classified as stimulants. This means they boost the levels of certain chemicals within the mind. This helps your brain to focus and stop responding to impulses.
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. Both drugs function in a different way, however, they both decrease the amount of dopamine released by the brain when an impulse occurs.
In Europe and in the UK, the methylphenidate drug family is the most frequently used. It includes methylphenidate hydrochloride, dimesylate of dexamfetamine and 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 medicines can be taken for up to 12 hours.
Last year the government issued an alert to patients warning of shortages in these ADHD drugs. The shortages were due to both manufacturing problems and an increase in global demand. Certain products were unavailable for a period of time, but supplies have now resumed.
As the availability of ADHD medication increased, more adults were able to get these medications. For the first time, adults in England are now receiving these medications more than children. There is also a growing number of women diagnosed with ADHD due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are now being given these medications as well as their male counterparts.
More than 200,000 people are receiving a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. This is a tiny part of the estimated 2,6 million people living in the UK with the condition. For many, the choice of whether or not to take medication is a personal decision. Some people choose to take the route of taking meds, while others opt for therapy and may never require or desire to take medication.
There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications that have a different impact on the body. This type of medication raises the levels of noradrenaline that are present in the brain. Noradrenaline acts as a messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This medication can improve concentration, and also reduce the amount of impulses. However, it takes several weeks for the effects to be felt in the brain. It is also more expensive than stimulants. It is nevertheless important for adults to be aware of the options available to them and to discuss it with their GP or ADHD service. They can also provide more information on the options available for them and their families. This is especially important considering that the availability of these drugs has been impacted by the recent UK-wide shortages.