Medications For ADHD<br /><br />The use of medication can assist people suffering from ADHD to focus, reduce impulsivity and acquire new skills. They can also improve the performance of students and social interactions.<br /><br />Due to the shortages many people aren't able to access their medication. Many are storing or rationing their the supplies. A taskforce is attempting to help ease the burden.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Medications used to treat ADHD are usually classed as stimulants, which means they increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps you to control your impulses and focus on the task at hand.<br /><br /><br /><br />The stimulants are the most commonly used type of ADHD medication prescribed in the UK. The methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine-salts (such Adderall) families are included within this group. Both drugs work in a different way but both reduce the amount of dopamine released in the brain during an impulse.<br /><br />In Europe and in the UK in the UK and Europe, the methylphenidate family is the most commonly used. It includes methylphenidate as well as dexamfetamine, and Lisdexamfetamine. These medications are available in short-acting or long-acting forms, or a combination called "immediate release" and "modified release". Short-acting tablets last between two and three hours. Modified release medications can last as long as twelve hours.<br /><br />The government last year issued a national patient safety alert warning of shortages of these ADHD drugs. This was due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand. Certain products were out of stock for a time but supply has since resumed.<br /><br />As the availability of ADHD medication increased, more adults could take these medications. This means that for the first time more adults than children are receiving these drugs in England. There is also an increasing number of women who have been diagnosed with ADHD due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are now receiving these medicines as are their male counterparts.<br /><br />More than 200,000 adults are now being treated with a stimulant ADHD medication in the UK. However, this is still just a tiny fraction of the estimated 2.6 million people in the UK who have the condition. <a href="https://page-tanner-2.blogbright.net/10-life-lessons-we-can-take-from-most-effective-adhd-medication-for-adults-1730843274">on the main page</a> to either take or not take medication is often an individual choice. Some people prefer to take medication, while others prefer therapy.<br /><br />There are also non-stimulant ADHD medications that have a different effect on the body. This kind of medication boosts noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of messenger chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. This medication can help with concentration, and also reduce the amount of impulses. However it takes a few weeks for the effects to take place in the brain. It is also more expensive than stimulants. Nevertheless, it is important for adults to be aware of the options available for them and to talk about this with their GP or ADHD service. They will be able to provide additional guidance on the options available for parents and children. This is particularly important given that the recent shortages in the UK have impacted the availability of these medicines.<br /><br />