ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medication for adults who have been diagnosed. The NHS is currently facing an acute shortage of central nervous system stimulants, including ADHD medications.
The shortage is due to manufacturing problems and increased global demand. It is expected to be resolved between October and December 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is the brand name used to describe amphetamine salts that are a mixture. It's a powerful stimulant that when used correctly aids people suffering from ADHD focus and stay focused. It also helps them manage their impulses. It is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
The FDA approved the first drug that could treat both conditions. It is a central nerve stimulant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. The higher levels of these chemicals help in concentration and increase alertness in people suffering from the disorder narcolepsy.
Doctors prescribe Adderall to people with ADHD in tablets or liquid. Adderall is a medication that can be taken on a daily basis or when required to alleviate symptoms. People who are taking Adderall can experience side effects, like headaches, stomach upset and a dry mouth. Certain people may develop a tolerance to the medication, and may need to take more than their doctor prescribes to get the same result.
Adderall is not recommended for those suffering from certain heart problems. They can raise the heart rate and trigger anxiety, which is a risk for people who have heart problems or an history of heart disease. Before taking Adderall, people who suffer from glaucoma, liver or kidney issues should consult their doctor. Adderall could also cause birth defects to babies born to mothers who used it during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the drug can cause birth defects within the fetus. However there isn't enough data to know how it will affect the foetus.
Stimulants may slow down growth in children, but the effects are minimal and most kids catch up when they reach adulthood. They can also trigger psychosis, which is a combination of delusions and hallucinations.
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has an extremely high risk of abuse. People who do not have ADHD can abuse Adderall to feel more energetic and shed weight. People who are using it illegally will often mix it with other drugs, such as cocaine, to increase the effects. It is also detected during drug tests for work or sports.
3. Concerta
Similar to Adderall and Vyvanse, Concerta is an extended-release medication that is taken one time per day in the morning. It is believed to work by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters that are found in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. This can help improve concentration as well as other symptoms of ADHD. It is important that you follow the exact dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dosage without a prescription from a doctor and this could cause more side effects. concerta adhd medication is also recommended to store Concerta in a safe place away from the reach of children, and at room temperature.
Insomnia is another frequent side effect that can make it hard to sleep. It is suggested that you try to take it at the same time each day. You can keep track of your medication by using a timer or pill reminder. This medication falls under pregnancy category C, which means that it should only be employed when the benefits outweigh the risks to a developing baby. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate over a long time, as it could lead to dependence.
It is important to keep in mind that this medication may cause tics, which are repeated movements or sounds made without intent to. This can include eye blinking and head bobbing as well as humming. Most people don't experience this however, if you do, speak to your doctor.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a treatment option for both adults and children to treat attention deficit disorder. It contains the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system, which helps to reduce the impulsivity of people suffering from ADHD.
Focalin, like other stimulant medications, can increase the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters boost the vigilance, attention, and impulse control. They are responsible for the communication between nerve cells. They are therefore effective ADHD medications. The dosage of Focalin is dependent on the age of the patient. It may be either short or long acting. The tablets that have a short-acting mechanism are referred to as immediate-release whereas the longer-acting tablets are known as extended-release.
Long-term usage of Focalin can have some serious adverse negative effects. The drug has been linked with depression, particularly for those who aren't prone to it. This is because the drug can cause neurotransmitters to remain elevated for an extended period of time. This is why Joanna Moncrieff, professor of psychotherapy at University College London has spent much of her career challenging what she believes is excessively prescribing stimulant medication to treat mental disorders.
Some individuals may also experience psychomotor retardation and agitation with Focalin. Some individuals may feel temporarily energized and mildly feeling euphoric. Focalin can also cause sleeplessness and sleepiness. Additionally, patients may sometimes develop tolerance to the drug, where they require greater and higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can cause dependence and addiction.
To reduce the risk of Focalin misuse doctors should review regularly the risk of their patients and be on the lookout for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. They should advise patients to keep the drug in a secure location and not to distribute it to anyone else. They must also inform patients of the dangers of accidental overdoses as well as how to dispose of any medication that is not used.
Focalin unlike other ADHD medications, does not immediately take effect. The effects of the drug appear in the first two to three hours after taking it and last up to four hours. This is the reason it's frequently prescribed with other non-medical therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy.