ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medication to adults if they have been diagnosed. The NHS is currently facing an acute shortage of central nervous system stimulants, which includes ADHD medications.
The shortage is caused by manufacturing issues and an increase in global demand. It's expected to be solved between October and December 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is the brand name of amphétamine salts. adhd medications for adults 's a powerful stimulant which when used correctly, helps people with ADHD concentrate, stay on task and control their impulses. It's used to treat ADHD, and also narcolepsy.
It was the first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat both of these conditions. It's a central nervous system stimulant that boosts the amount of norepinephrine as well as other neurotransmitters found in the brain. The increased levels of these chemicals assist in concentration and improve alertness in those suffering from narcolepsy.
Doctors prescribe Adderall to people with ADHD in tablets or liquid. It is a medication that can be taken when required, or multiple times a day to improve symptoms of the condition. Adderall users can suffer from side effects like headaches, dry mouth, and stomach upset. Some people can develop a tolerance for the drug and have to take more than what their doctor recommends to get the same results.
Adderall is not recommended for people with certain heart problems. They can increase anxiety and elevate heart rate, which can be dangerous to people suffering from heart disease or issues. People suffering from glaucoma, kidney or liver issues should talk to their doctors before taking it. Adderall can also cause birth defects in babies born to women who have taken it during pregnancy. There isn't enough information about how the drug can affect a fetus. However, animal studies have shown negative effects.
Stimulants can slow down growth in children but the effect is minimal and most kids catch up when they reach adulthood. 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 a significant abuse potential. People who don't have ADHD can use Adderall to feel more energetic and shed weight. Illegal users often mix it with cocaine to increase 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 medication that is taken once per day in the morning. It is believed to work by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. This can improve concentration and other symptoms of ADHD. It is important to take this medication as prescribed by a doctor. Do not increase the dosage without consulting your doctor. This can cause adverse consequences. Store Concerta at room temperature and in a location away from the reach of children.
Another frequent side effect of this medication is insomnia, which can make it difficult to get to sleep. It is best to take the medication at the same time each day. A reminder of your pills or a medication timer could help keep you on track. This drug falls into pregnancy category C. It is only recommended to use it if the benefits outweigh the risks for the baby's development. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate over prolonged periods of time as it may lead to dependency.
It is also important to note that this medication may cause tics, which are repeated motions or sounds that are made without intent to. This can be characterized by eye blinks and head bobbing as well as humming. This is something most people do not have, but in the event that it happens to you, consult your doctor about it.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a treatment option for adults and children to treat attention deficit disorder. It contains the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate and stimulates the central nervous system, which helps to reduce the risk of impulsivity and improve focus in those suffering from ADHD.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Focalin can help increase levels of the 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 drugs. The dosage of Focalin is dependent on the age of the patient. It may be either long or short-acting. The immediate-release tablets work in a short time and the extended-release tablets are longer-acting.
The long-term use of focalin can result in serious adverse effects. The drug has been linked with depression, especially in those who are not predisposed. 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 medication to treat mental disorders.
Focalin can also trigger psychomotor retardation or agitation in some people. It is possible that they will experience the sensation of being slightly euphoric and energised. Focalin can also cause sleeplessness and sleepiness. Patients can also develop tolerance to the drug, and require more and more dosages to get the same effect. This can cause dependence and addiction.
To reduce the chance of Focalin abuse doctors should review regularly the risk of their patients and be on the lookout for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. They should tell patients to keep the drug in a secure place and not to give it to anyone else. They must also inform patients of the dangers of accidental overdoses as well as how to dispose of any medicine that is not being used.
In contrast to other ADHD drugs, Focalin does not take effect immediately. The effects of Focalin are evident in the first three hours following the dose and last for as long as four hours. This is why it's often prescribed with other non-medical therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy.