ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist will prescribe ADHD medication for adults who have been diagnosed. The NHS is currently experiencing a shortage of central nervous system stimulants, which includes ADHD medications.
The shortage is caused by manufacturing problems and an increased global demand. The shortage is expected to be solved between December 2023 and Oct 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is the brand name for a mixture of amphetamine salts. It's a powerful stimulant that when used correctly, helps people with ADHD concentrate, stay on task and manage their impulses. It is prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
The FDA approved the first drug that treated both conditions. It's a central nervous system stimulant, which increases the quantity of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. The increased levels of these chemicals help in focusing, and boost alertness in people with narcolepsy.
Adderall is prescribed by doctors to ADHD patients in liquid or tablet form. It is taken as required, or multiple times a day to improve symptoms of the condition. Adderall users may suffer from side effects like headaches, dry mouth, and stomach upset. Certain people may develop a tolerance to the medication and might need to take more than what their doctor prescribes to get the same results.
Adderall is not recommended for people with certain heart problems. They can increase heart rate and trigger anxiety, which can be dangerous for people with heart problems or an history of heart disease. People with glaucoma or kidney or liver problems should consult their doctor before taking Adderall. Adderall could cause birth defects for babies born to mothers who took it during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the drug may cause birth defects in a fetus. However, there is not enough data to know the effects it has on the pregnant fetus.
The effects of stimulants can slow the growth of children, but the change isn't significant and children usually catch up when they reach the age of adulthood. They can also cause psychosis, a condition that is a mix between hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms.
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has a significant possibility of abuse. People who do not have ADHD can abuse Adderall to feel more energetic and lose weight. People who abuse it will often mix it with other drugs like cocaine to boost the effects. It can also be detected in drug tests for work or sports.
3. Concerto
Like Adderall and Vyvanse, Concerta is an extended-release drug that is taken one time per day in the morning. It is believed to increase levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. This can improve concentration as well as other ADHD symptoms. It is essential to take this medication according to the dosage prescribed by a doctor. Do not increase the dosage without a physician's approval, as doing so can increase side effects. Store Concerta at room temperature in a place away from the reach of children.
Another side effect that is common to this medication is insomnia that can make it difficult to sleep. It is recommended that you try to take it at the same time each day. A pill reminder or a medication timer could help keep you on the right track. This drug is in pregnancy category C. It should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks for the baby's development. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate over an extended period of time, since it could lead to dependence.
It is also important to note that this medication may cause tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds made without intent to. This can be characterized by head bobbing, eye blinking and humming. This is something that the majority of people do not have, but should it happen to you, consult your doctor about it.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. It is made up of dexmethylphenidate, which stimulates the central nervous system and reduces the tendency to be impulsive in ADHD patients.
As with other stimulant medications, Focalin can help increase levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters improve the vigilance, attention, and control of impulses. They are responsible for the communication between nerve cells. They are therefore effective ADHD medications. adhd treatment medication of Focalin is dependent on the age of the patient and can be either long or short-acting. The immediate-release tablets have a short-acting effect while the extended-release tablets have a longer-acting.
Long-term use of Focalin can trigger serious adverse reactions. The drug has been linked to depression especially in those that are not predisposed to it. This is because the drug can cause neurotransmitters to remain elevated for an extended period of time. This is the reason Joanna Moncrieff, professor of psychotherapy at University College London has spent many years challenging what she believes is excessively prescribing stimulant medication to treat mental disorders.
Some people can also experience psychomotor impairment and agitation when they use Focalin. Some people may experience a feeling of euphoria and mildly euphoric. Other typical Focalin side effects include sleeplessness and sleepiness. Patients may also develop tolerance to the drug, requiring more and more dosages to achieve the same effects. This could cause dependence and addiction.
To limit the chance of Focalin abuse doctors should review regularly the risk of their patients and be on the lookout for indications of abuse, misuse, or addiction. They should advise patients to keep the medication in a safe place and not to give it to others. They should also educate patients about the risks of accidental overdoses, and teach them how to dispose of any unused medication.
Contrary to other ADHD medications, Focalin does not take effect right away. The effects of the drug appear around two to three hours after taking it, and last for as long as four hours. This is the reason it is frequently prescribed with other non-medication therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy.