Medications For ADHD<br /><br />Medications can help people with ADHD to concentrate, feel less impulsive and learn new skills. They can also improve school performance and social interactions.<br /><br />Due to the shortages many people aren't able to access their medications. Many are rationing their medication or stockpiling. But a taskforce is trying to help ease the burden.<br /><br /><br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />The medications used to treat ADHD are usually classed as stimulants, meaning they increase the levels certain chemicals in the brain. This allows your brain to concentrate and stop you reacting to impulses.<br /><br />The stimulants are the most common kind of ADHD medication that is prescribed in the UK. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included in this group. Both drugs function in a different way however, they both decrease the amount of dopamine released in the brain during an impulse.<br /><br />In Europe and the UK, the methylphenidate drug family is the most commonly used. It includes methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. They are available as short acting or long-acting medicines or as two medications called 'immediate ' release or modified release'. Short-acting tablets generally last about two to three hours, whereas modified release tablets can last up to 12 hours.<br /><br /><a href="https://welch-sinclair-3.technetbloggers.de/take-a-look-at-you-the-steve-jobs-of-the-adhd-medication-uk-industry">how does medication for adhd work</a> issued a national patient safety alert warning of shortages of these ADHD medication. The shortages were caused by manufacturing issues as well as an increased global demand. Certain products were unavailable for a short period, but supplies have now resumed.<br /><br />As the supply of ADHD medication increased as more adults were able to access them. For the first time adults in England are receiving these medications more frequently than children. This means that more women are being diagnosed with ADHD. They are now receiving the same medication as their male counterparts.<br /><br />More than 200,000 adults are now receiving a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. However, this is still just a tiny portion of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK who have the condition. The decision to either take or not take medication is often an individual choice. Some individuals choose to go down the medication route, whereas others opt for therapy and may never need or want to take medication.<br /><br />There are also non-stimulant ADHD medication options, which have a different effect on the body. This type of medication increases noradrenaline in the brain, which is a messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This can help improve concentration and lowering of impulses, however it takes a few weeks to be effective on the brain and this is the reason that non-stimulant ADHD medication often needs to be monitored by a psychiatrist more closely. It is also more expensive than stimulants. It is nevertheless 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 further guidance on what options are available for them and their families. This is crucial due to the fact that the availability of these medications has been affected by the recent shortages in the UK.<br /><br />