Why UK ADHD Medication May Be More Dangerous Than You Thought

Medications For ADHD

Medications can help people with ADHD to concentrate, reduce impulsivity and develop new skills.  adhd otc medication  can also improve school performance and social interactions.

However, millions of people suffering from the disease are struggling to obtain their medication because of shortages. Many are storing or rationing their items. A taskforce is working to ease the situation.

Stimulants

Medications used to treat ADHD are generally classified as stimulants, which means they increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you control your impulses and focus on the task at hand.

Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed form of UK ADHD medication. They are a group of drugs that include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin) as well as amphetamine salts (like Adderall). They function in various ways but both reduce the amount of dopamine which is released in the brain after you experience an impulse.

In Europe and the UK, the methylphenidate drug family is the most widely used. It includes methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and lisdexamfetamine. They are available as short-acting or long-acting medications or as two medications known as 'immediate release or modified release'. Short-acting tablets last between two and three hours. Modified release medications can last for up to twelve hours.

Last year the government issued a nationwide patient safety alert about the possibility of shortages of these ADHD medications. The shortages were due to manufacturing issues as well as an increased global demand. Certain products were unavailable for a period of time however, supplies have since been restored.

As the supply of ADHD medication increased, more adults were able access these medications. This means that for the first time, more adults than children are getting these drugs in England. As a result, an increasing number women are being diagnosed with ADHD.  non stimulant adhd medication  are receiving the same medication as their male counterparts.

More than 200,000 people are receiving a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. However, this is just a tiny portion of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK with the condition. The decision to either take or not take medication is usually a personal choice. Some people prefer to take medication, whereas others opt for therapy.

There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications that have a different impact on the body. This kind of medication boosts the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline is a chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This can help improve concentration and decrease of impulses, but it takes several weeks for it to affect the brain. This is the reason why non-stimulant ADHD medications are often required to be monitored by a psychiatrist more closely. It is also more expensive than stimulants. Nevertheless, it is important for adults to be aware of the options available to them and to discuss this with their GP or ADHD service. They can give more details about the options available to them and their families. This is especially important considering that the availability of these drugs has been affected by the recent UK-wide shortages.