ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist will prescribe ADHD medication to adults if they have been diagnosed. However the NHS is experiencing a shortage of a variety of central nervous system stimulants and ADHD medicines.
The shortage is due to manufacturing issues and a rise in global demand. It's expected to be solved between October and December 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is a brand name for amphétamine salts. It's a powerful stimulant which when used correctly, helps people with ADHD concentrate and stay focused. It also helps them control their impulses. It's used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and also narcolepsy.
The FDA approved the first medication that was able to treat both conditions. It is a central nerve stimulant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters inside the brain. These chemicals boost concentration and alertness in people suffering from narcolepsy.
Doctors prescribe Adderall to people with ADHD in tablets or in liquid form. Adderall can be taken regularly or when required to manage symptoms. Adderall users can experience side effects such as dry mouth, headaches and stomach upset. Some people may develop a tolerance for the medication and will need to take more than what their doctor prescribes in order to get the same results.
People suffering from certain heart conditions should not use stimulants, including Adderall. They can increase heart rate and increase anxiety, which is 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 also cause birth defects to babies born to mothers who were taking it during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the drug can cause birth defects in a pregnant fetus. However there isn't enough information to determine the effects it has on a fetus.
The effects of stimulants can slow the growth of children, but the change is small and kids usually catch up by the time they turn adults. They can also cause psychosis which is a combination between hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms.
Adderall is an Schedule II drug, meaning it is a drug with a high risk for abuse. People who do not suffer from ADHD are able to use Adderall in order to feel more energetic and lose weight. adult adhd medication uk who use it illegally tend to mix it with other drugs, such as cocaine, to enhance the effects. It can also show up in drug tests to determine if you are fit for athletics or work.
3. Concerta
Like Adderall and Vyvanse, Concerta is an extended-release drug that is taken once per day in the morning. It is believed to work by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters found in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. This can help improve concentration and other symptoms of ADHD. It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dosage without a prescription from a doctor, as doing so can increase the risk of side effects. It is also recommended that you keep Concerta in a safe place out of the reach of children, and at room temperature.
Another frequent side effect of this medication is insomnia, which can make it difficult to sleep. It is recommended that you try to take it at the same time each day. You can keep track of your medication with a pill reminder or timer. This drug falls into pregnancy category C. It should only be used when the benefits outweigh any risk for the baby's development. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate over a long time, as it may lead to dependency.
It is important to keep in mind that this medication can cause tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds made without intent to. This can include eye blinking, head bobbing and humming. Most people won't experience this, but should you experience it, talk to your doctor.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a medication that can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children. It is a drug that contains the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate and works by stimulating the central nervous system to decrease impulsivity and improve focus in people suffering from ADHD.
Focalin along with other stimulant medications, can increase 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 effective ADHD treatment drugs. The dosage of Focalin differs based on the age of the patient. It may be either long- or short-acting. The immediate-release tablets work in a short time, while the extended-release tablets have a longer-acting.
Long-term use of Focalin can trigger serious side effects. The drug has been linked to depression particularly for those who aren't prone to it. The reason for this is that the medication causes neurotransmitters to stay elevated for an extended period of time. This is the reason Joanna Moncrieff, professor of psychotherapy at University College London has spent many years contesting what she believes to be over prescribing stimulant medication to treat mental disorders.
Focalin can also cause psychomotor retardation or agitation for certain people. Some people may experience a feeling of euphoria and euphoric. Other common Focalin side effects include insomnia and the feeling of drowsiness. In addition, patients can occasionally develop tolerance to the drug, where they need higher and higher doses to get the same effect. This can cause dependence and addiction.
To limit the chance of Focalin misuse doctors should periodically review the risk of their patients and be on the lookout for indications of abuse, misuse or addiction. They should remind patients to keep the medication in a safe place and not give 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 begin to take effect. The effects of Focalin appear two to three hours following the dose and can last for up to four. This is the reason it is frequently prescribed with other non-medication therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy.