ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist will prescribe ADHD medication for adults who have been diagnosed. However the NHS is experiencing a shortage of a variety of central nervous system stimulants as well as ADHD medication.
The shortage is caused by manufacturing issues and a rise in global demand. The shortage is expected to be cured between December 2023 and Oct 2023.
1. adhd medication ritalin is the brand name of amphétamine salts. It's a powerful stimulant which when used correctly, helps people with ADHD focus and stay focused. It also helps them control their impulses. It's prescribed to treat ADHD, and also narcolepsy.
The FDA approved the first drug that treated both conditions. It is a central nervous stimulant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. The higher levels of these chemicals help in concentration and increase alertness in people suffering from narcolepsy.
Doctors prescribe Adderall to people with ADHD in tablets or in liquid form. Adderall can be used on a regular basis or as needed to treat symptoms. Adderall users can experience side effects such as headaches, dry mouth, and stomach upset. Some people might develop a tolerance for the medication and need to take more than their doctor recommends to achieve the same results.
Adderall is not recommended for those suffering from certain heart problems. They can increase anxiety and elevate heart rate, which can be dangerous for those suffering from heart disease or issues. People with glaucoma, kidney or liver problems should consult their doctors before taking it. Adderall can also cause birth defects to babies born to mothers who used it during pregnancy. Studies on animals have revealed that the drug can cause birth defects within the fetus. However, there is not enough information to know how it will affect a foetus.
The effects of stimulants can slow the growth of children, but the difference isn't significant and children usually catch up by the time they are adults. They can also trigger psychosis, which is a mix of hallucinations, delusions, and other signs.
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has a significant risk of abuse. People who do not suffer from ADHD are able to use Adderall in order to feel more energetic and shed weight. Illegal users frequently mix it with cocaine to boost the effects. It can also show up in drug tests to determine if you are fit for athletics or work.
3. Concerto
Concerta, just like Adderall and Vyvanse is an extended-release medicine that is taken in the early morning. It is believed to work by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters found in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. This may help improve concentration as well as other symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to take this medication as prescribed by a doctor. Do not increase the dose without a physician's approval and this could increase the risk of side effects. It is also recommended to keep Concerta in a safe place away from the reach of children, and at the temperature of room.
Insomnia is a common side effect that can make it hard to sleep. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time each day. You can track your medication with an alarm clock or pill reminder. This drug falls into pregnancy category C. It should only be used when the benefits outweigh any risks to the developing baby. Long-term use of methylphenidate not recommended as it could lead to dependence.
This medication can also trigger tics. These are unintentional, repeated actions or sounds. This can be characterized by eye blinks, head bobbing and humming. This is something that most people will not experience however if it does happen to you, speak to your doctor about it.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a medication that can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in both adults and children. It contains the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate and stimulates the central nervous system to decrease the risk of impulsivity and improve focus in people with ADHD.
Focalin as well as other stimulant medications, can boost the levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters aid in the communication between nerve cells, and enhance vigilance, attention and control of impulses. This makes them efficient ADHD treatment medications. Focalin dosage varies based on the age of the patient and may be long-acting or short-acting. The immediate-release tablets have a short-acting effect while extended-release tablets act longer.
Long-term use of Focalin could cause serious adverse effects. The drug has been linked to depression particularly in those who aren't prone to it. This is because the medication causes neurotransmitters levels to remain high for a longer period of time. Joanna Moncrieff is a professor of psychiatry as well as a psychiatrist at University College London. She has spent countless hours fighting what she believes is the overprescription of stimulant drugs to treat mental disorders.
Focalin can also cause psychomotor retardation or agitation in some people. Some individuals may feel temporarily energized and mildly feeling euphoric. Focalin can also cause sleeplessness and drowsiness. Patients can also develop tolerance to the drug, requiring more and more dosages to achieve the same results. This could result in dependence and addiction.
To reduce the chance of Focalin misuse doctors should periodically review the risks of their patients and look for signs of abuse, misuse, or addiction. They should advise patients to keep the drug in a secure location and not to give it to anyone else. They must also inform patients of the dangers of accidental overdoses and how to dispose of any medicine that is not being used.
Unlike other ADHD medication, Focalin does not take effect right away. The effects of the drug start around two to three hours after taking it and last up to four hours. This is the reason it is frequently prescribed with other non-medication therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.