ADHD Medication in the UK
ADHD medications are prescribed to adults by a psychiatrist if a diagnosis is made. The NHS is currently facing an acute shortage of central nervous system stimulants, such as ADHD medications.
The shortage is caused by manufacturing problems and increased global demand. It's expected to be resolved between October and December 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is the brand name of amphétamine salts. It is a powerful stimulant that when taken in the right way, helps those with ADHD remain focused, manage their thoughts, and remain on task. It is prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
It was the first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat both conditions. It's a central nervous system stimulant that boosts the amount of norepinephrine as well as other neurotransmitters in the brain. The increased levels of these chemicals help in focusing, and improve alertness in those suffering from the disorder narcolepsy.
Adderall is prescribed by doctors to ADHD patients in tablet or liquid form. Adderall can be taken on a daily basis or as needed to treat symptoms. People who are taking Adderall may experience adverse effects, like headaches, stomach upset and dry mouth. Certain people may develop tolerance to the drug and might need to take more than their doctor recommends to achieve the same results.
Adderall is not recommended for those suffering from certain heart issues. They can increase heart rate and increase anxiety, which can be dangerous 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 can cause birth defects in babies born to women who have taken it during pregnancy. There's not enough information available on how the drug could affect a fetus. However, studies on animals have revealed negative effects.
The effects of stimulants can slow the growth of children, but the change is small and kids usually catch up by the time they are adults. They can also cause psychosis which is a mixture of delusions and hallucinations.
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has an extremely high risk of abuse. It is abused by people who don't suffer from ADHD, who use it to feel more energetic or lose weight. Illegal users frequently mix it with cocaine to enhance its effects. It is also a factor in drug screening tests for sports or work.
3. Concerto
Concerta, just like Adderall and Vyvanse is an extended-release medicine that is taken in the morning. It is believed that it works by increasing levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration and other ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to follow the exact dosage recommended by your physician. Do not increase the dose without a prescription from a doctor, as doing so can cause more side effects. It is also recommended to store Concerta in a secure place away from the reach of children and at room temperature.
Another side effect that is common to this medication is insomnia, which can make it difficult to get to sleep. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time every day. A pill reminder or medication timer could help keep you on the right track. This medication is in pregnancy category C, which means that it is only used when the benefits outweigh the risks to a developing baby. The long-term use of methylphenidate is not recommended as it can result in dependence.
It is also important to remember that this medication can cause tics, which are repetitive actions or sounds that are not intention to. This can include eye blinking, head bobbing and humming. Most people don't experience this however, if you do, speak to your doctor.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. It is a drug that contains the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate and works by stimulating the central nervous system, which helps to reduce the impulsivity of people with ADHD.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Focalin can help increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and neopinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters boost attention, vigilance, and control of impulses. They are responsible for the communication between nerve cells. This makes them effective ADHD treatment drugs. Focalin dosage varies based on the age of the patient and can be either short-acting or long-acting. The short-acting tablets are called immediate-release whereas the longer-acting tablets are known as extended-release.
Long-term usage of Focalin could cause serious side consequences. The drug has been linked to depression particularly in those who are not predisposed to it. The reason for this is that the medication causes neurotransmitters to stay elevated for an extended period of time. Joanna Moncrieff is a professor of psychiatry and psychiatrist at University College London. She has spent hours fighting what she believes to be an overprescription of stimulant medications for mental disorders.
Some people can also experience psychomotor impairment and agitation with Focalin. They may also feel an euphoria-like sensation that lasts for a short time. slightly euphoric and energised. Other common Focalin adverse effects include sleeplessness and sleepiness. In addition, patients can sometimes develop tolerance to the drug where they need higher doses and higher dosages to achieve the same effect. Our Site could cause dependence and addiction.
To minimize the risk of Focalin addiction doctors should review the risks of their patients and look for signs and symptoms of misuse, abuse or addiction. They should advise patients to keep the drug in a safe place and not give it to anyone else. They should also inform patients about the dangers of accidental overdoses and teach them how to dispose of unneeded medicine.
Contrary to other ADHD drugs, Focalin does not take effect immediately. The effects of the drug appear within 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, like cognitive behavior therapy.