ADHD Medication in the UK
A psychiatrist will prescribe ADHD medication for adults who have been diagnosed with. The NHS is currently facing a shortage of central nervous system stimulants, which includes ADHD medications.
The shortage is caused by manufacturing issues and a rise in global demand. It is expected to be resolved between October and December 2023.
1. Adderall
Adderall is the brand name of a mixture of amphétamine salts. It's a potent stimulant that when used correctly, helps people with ADHD focus and stay focused. It also helps them control their impulses. It's used to treat ADHD, as well as narcolepsy.
It was the first medicine to be approved by the FDA to treat both conditions. It is a central nervous stimulant that boosts norepinephrine levels and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals boost concentration and alertness for people with narcolepsy.
Adderall is prescribed by doctors to ADHD patients in tablet or liquid form. It is taken as required, or multiple times per day to help improve symptoms of the condition. does adhd medication work who are taking Adderall can experience side effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets and a dry mouth. Certain people may develop a tolerance to the medication, and may need to take more than what their doctor recommends to achieve the same result.
People who suffer from certain heart diseases shouldn't take stimulants, including Adderall. They can increase heart rate and increase anxiety, which can be dangerous for those with heart issues or the history of heart disease. Before taking does adhd medication work , people who suffer from glaucoma, liver or kidney problems should consult their doctor. Adderall could also cause birth defects to babies born to mothers who used it during pregnancy. Animal studies have proven that the drug can cause birth defects in the pregnant fetus. However, there is not enough data to know how it will affect the pregnant fetus.
Stimulants can slow down growth in children, but the effects are minimal and the majority of children get caught up by adulthood. They can also cause psychosis, which is a combination of delusions and hallucinations.
Adderall is a Schedule II drug, meaning it is highly likely for abuse. People who do not suffer from ADHD can abuse Adderall to feel more energetic and lose weight. Illegal users frequently mix it with cocaine to increase its effects. It is also a factor in drug screening tests for work or athletics.
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 may improve concentration as well as other ADHD symptoms. It is important that you use this medication as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose without a physician's approval, as doing so can increase side effects. It is also recommended that you keep Concerta in a safe place away from the reach of children and at room temperature.
Another common side effect of this medication is insomnia which can make it difficult to get to sleep. It is recommended that you try to take it at the same time each day. You can track your medication by using a timer or pill reminder. This drug falls into 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 for an extended period of time, since it could lead to dependence.
It is also important to note that this medication can cause tics, which are repetitive actions or sounds that are not intent to. This can be characterized by eye blinking, head bobbing and humming. Most people don't experience this however, If you do, 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 dexmethylphenidate-based medication that stimulates the central nervous system and decreases the tendency to be impulsive in ADHD patients.
Like other stimulant medications, Focalin can help increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and neopinephrine within the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in communication between nerve cells and increase attention, vigilance and impulse control. This makes them effective ADHD treatment medications. Focalin dosage varies according to the age of the patient, and can be either long-acting or short-acting. The tablets that are short-acting are known as immediate-release while the longer-acting tablets are known as extended-release.
Long-term usage of Focalin could cause serious adverse negative effects. The drug has been linked with depression, specifically in those who aren't predisposed. This is because the medication causes the levels of neurotransmitters to be elevated for a long period of time. This is the reason Joanna Moncrieff, professor of psychiatry at University College London has spent much of her career contesting what she believes to be over prescribing stimulant medication to treat mental disorders.
Certain people may also experience psychomotor retardation and agitation when they use Focalin. Some people may experience a feeling of euphoria and a little happy. Focalin can also cause sleeplessness and sleepiness. Patients may also develop tolerance to the drug, requiring higher and higher dosages to get the same effect. This could result in dependence and addiction.
In order to minimize the chance of Focalin addiction doctors should periodically review the risks of their patients and be aware of signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse or addiction. They should remind patients to keep the medication in a secure place and not to give it to anyone else. They should also inform patients about the dangers of accidental overdoses as well as how to dispose of any medication that is not used.
In contrast to other ADHD medications, Focalin does not take effects immediately. The effects of Focalin are evident two to three hours following the dose and last up to four hours. This is why it is usually prescribed with other non-medication therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy.