ADHD Medications
Methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) is a stimulant medication which increases activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. It is the most common ADHD medication prescribed in Europe and the UK. It is available in immediate-release or modified-release daily tablets.
Psychiatrists with a specialization in ADHD have extensive knowledge of the medications that are available to treat this condition. The first treatment option for ADHD for adults, however talking therapy is also highly recommended.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used kind of medication for adhd in the UK and are used to increase the amount of neurotransmitters (the chemicals that help brain cells communicate) in the synapses. This improves attention and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are fast-acting and start to have an effect within 45-60 minutes. These include medications like amphetamines, such as Adderall, Dexedrine and Concerta, and methylphenidate like Ritalin and Concerta.
There are also a range of non-stimulants that have different mechanisms of action. For instance, atomoxetine an inhibitor of selective serotonin reuptake, which increases noradrenaline in the brain, which assists in increasing the concentration levels. Other medications, like bupropion (Welbutrin) aren't licensed to treat ADHD but may be prescribed off-label.
Your doctor will be able to adjust the dosage to ensure you get the perfect balance of effects, regardless of whether you are taking stimulants or non-stimulants. Your psychiatrist will take into consideration how you feel and the side effects that are most common and if the medication is working. They usually review the dosage on a regular schedule.
The positive side is that if you have to stop taking your medication, there are alternatives like diet pills and caffeine, which can help people cope with the symptoms of ADHD. However, they should not be used as a substitute for your medication, and anyone contemplating this should always consult their doctor or psychiatrist.
ADHD medication can be beneficial for adults and children. They can help them concentrate more effectively, feel more calm, and have less impulsivity. They can also be used to help them develop new skills and practice their skills. It can be very worrying when these medicines are out of stock. Some adults have reported that they had to limit their prescriptions or even stockpile them to last until the shortage is resolved.
adhd medication side effects -term supply issue is caused by a number of factors, including production delays as well as issues with limits. This isn't a sole problem in the UK and elsewhere, since there were shortages in the US too.
In the longer term the government has committed to work with manufacturers to ensure a steady flow of supply for ADHD medications, and they are expected to solve the issue by October at latest. In the meantime the NHS is urging people to visit their doctor or pharmacist prior to running out of medication, and if they need to change the dosage or frequency, make this change only after consulting with their doctor. They can also assist with alternative treatments that will keep you feeling healthy and focused. For instance, they might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness. They can also suggest strategies to improve sleep and reduce stress. This multimodal approach has proven to be the most successful treatment for ADHD. The most successful approaches combine medication with lifestyle changes and behavioural therapy. This is referred to as evidence-based practice. The NIHR developed a toolkit which helps clinicians diagnose and manage ADHD.