ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medication for adults who have been diagnosed with. However the NHS is experiencing shortages of many central nervous system stimulants and ADHD medications.
The shortage is caused by manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. It is expected to be resolved between the months of October and December 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is an abbreviation for amphétamine salts. It's a powerful stimulant that, when taken correctly can help people with ADHD concentrate and stay focused. It also helps them control their impulses. It's prescribed 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 nervous stimulant that boosts the levels of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These chemicals improve concentration and alertness for those with narcolepsy.
Adderall is prescribed by doctors to ADHD patients in liquid or tablet form. Adderall can be taken on a regular basis or when required to alleviate symptoms. People who use Adderall can experience side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets and dry mouth. Some people may develop a tolerance for the medication and will need to take more than what their doctor recommends to achieve the same effects.
People with certain heart disorders should not use stimulants, like Adderall. They can increase anxiety and raise heart rate, which is risky for people with heart disease or heart issues. People suffering from glaucoma, liver or kidney problems should talk to their doctors before taking it. Adderall may also cause birth defects in babies born to women who took it during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the drug can cause birth defects in a foetus. However, there is not enough information to know the impact it could have on the fetus.
Stimulants can slow down growth in children, but the effect is minimal and the majority of kids get caught up by adulthood. They can also trigger psychosis, which is a mix between hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms.
Adderall is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. It can be abused by people who don't suffer from ADHD, who use it to feel more energetic or lose weight. People who abuse it will often mix it with other drugs, such as cocaine, to enhance the effects. It is also a factor in drug tests for work or sports.
3. Concerto
Concerta, similar to Adderall and Vyvanse is an extended-release medication taken in the morning. It is believed to increase levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. This can improve concentration and other ADHD symptoms. It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase does adhd medication work without a doctor's permission, as doing so can cause more side effects. Store Concerta at room temperature and in a location that is out of reach of children.
Another frequent side effect of this medication is insomnia which can make it difficult to get to sleep. It is recommended to try to take it at the same time each day. You can track your medication with a pill reminder or timer. This medication is in pregnancy category C. It is only recommended to use it if the benefits outweigh the risks for the baby's development. Long-term use of methylphenidate is not recommended as it could lead to dependence.
It is important to keep in mind that this medication may cause tics, which are repeated movements or sounds made without intent to. This could include head bobbing, eye blinking and humming. The majority of people don't experience it, but should you experience it, talk to your doctor.
4. Focalin
Focalin can be used by both children and adults to treat attention deficit disorder. It is a dexmethylphenidate-based medication that stimulates the central nervous system and decreases the tendency to be impulsive in ADHD patients.
As with other stimulant medications, Focalin can help increase levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in communication between nerve cells and increase attention, vigilance and control of impulses. They are therefore effective ADHD medications. Focalin dosage varies based on the age of the patient and is either long-acting or short-acting. The immediate-release tablets work in a short time and the extended-release tablets have a longer-acting.
Long-term use of Focalin can trigger serious adverse effects. The drug has been linked with depression, specifically in those who aren't 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 as well as a psychiatrist at University College London. She has spent hours fighting what she believes to be the overprescription of stimulant drugs for mental disorders.
Focalin can cause psychomotor agitation or retardation in certain people. Some people may feel temporarily energized and a little happy. Focalin can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Patients may also develop tolerance to the drug, requiring more and more dosages to achieve the same results. This can lead to addiction and dependence.
To limit the risk of Focalin misuse, doctors should regularly reassess the risk of their patients and monitor for signs of abuse, misuse or addiction. They must advise patients to store the medication in a secure location 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 medication that is not used.
Focalin unlike other ADHD medications does not immediately take effect. The effects of Focalin are evident in the first three hours following the dose and can last for as long as four. This is the reason it is usually prescribed with other non-medication therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy.