ADHD Medication in the UK
ADHD medications are prescribed to adults by a psychiatrist after the diagnosis is made. The NHS is currently facing a shortage of central nervous system stimulants, including ADHD medications.
The shortage is due to 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 amphetamine salts in a mix. It's a potent stimulant that when used correctly aids people suffering from 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 was able 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 concentration and improve alertness in those suffering from the disorder narcolepsy.
Adderall is prescribed by doctors to ADHD patients in liquid or tablet form. It is a medication that can be taken when needed, or multiple times per day to help improve symptoms of the condition. People who use Adderall can experience side effects, including headaches, stomach upsets and a dry mouth. Some people may develop a tolerance to the medication and may have to take more than what their doctor recommends to achieve the same effect.
Adderall is not recommended for those with certain heart conditions. They can cause anxiety and elevate the heart rate, which is risky for people suffering from heart disease or issues. Before taking Adderall, people with glaucoma, liver or kidney issues should consult their doctor. Adderall can also cause birth defects to babies born to mothers who took it during pregnancy. There's not enough information available on how the drug could affect a fetus, but animal studies have shown negative effects.
Stimulants can slow down growth in children, but the effects are minimal and most kids are able to catch up once they reach adulthood. They can also cause psychosis which is a mixture of hallucinations and delusions.
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has a high possibility of abuse. It can be abused by people who don't suffer from ADHD who are using it to boost their energy levels or lose weight. People who abuse it tend to mix it with other drugs, such as cocaine, to enhance the effects. It is also detected during drug tests for sports or at work.
3. Concerta
Like Adderall and Vyvanse, Concerta is an extended release medication that is taken once per day in the morning. adhd stimulant medication is believed to work by increasing levels of two neurotransmitters found in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves concentration and other ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to take this medication exactly as recommended by your physician. Do not increase the dosage without consulting with your doctor. This can result in adverse negative effects. Store Concerta at room temperature in a place away from the reach of children.
Another frequent side effect of this medication is insomnia which can make it difficult to fall asleep. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time each day. A pill reminder or medication timer may help to keep you on track. This drug is in pregnancy category C. It is only recommended to use it if the benefits outweigh any risks for the baby's development. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate over prolonged periods of time as it could lead to dependence.
This medication can also cause tics. These are unintentional, frequent actions or sounds. This can be characterized by eye blinks or head bobbing, as well as humming. This is something that most people will not experience however, in the event that it happens to you, consult your doctor about it.
4. Focalin
Focalin can be used by both children and adults to treat attention deficit disorder. It contains the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system to decrease the impulsivity of people suffering from ADHD.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Focalin can help increase levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters increase the vigilance, attention, and impulse control. They are responsible for the communication between nerve cells. They are therefore effective ADHD drugs. Focalin dosage varies according to the age of the patient and may be long-acting or short-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.
Focalin's long-term use can cause serious adverse effects. The drug has been associated with depression, specifically for those who aren't predisposed. This is because the medicine increases neurotransmitters for an extended period of time. Joanna Moncrieff is a professor of psychiatry and a psychiatrist at University College London. She has spent many hours fighting what she believes to be an overprescription of stimulant medications for mental disorders.
Focalin can also cause psychomotor retardation or agitation in certain people. They may also feel the sensation of being slightly euphoric and energised. Other common Focalin adverse effects include sleeplessness and the feeling of drowsiness. Patients may also develop tolerance to the drug, requiring more and more dosages to achieve the same results. This can lead to dependence and addiction.
In order to minimize the chance of Focalin addiction, doctors should regularly reassess their patients' risk and monitor for signs and symptoms of misuse, abuse or addiction. They should remind patients to keep the medication in a secure location and not give it to others. They should also educate patients about the risks of accidental overdose and provide them with instructions on how to dispose of unused medicine.
Unlike other ADHD drugs, Focalin does not take effect immediately. The effects of Focalin begin to show in the first three hours following the dose and can last for up to four. This is why it's commonly prescribed in conjunction with other non-medication therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy.