ADHD Medication in the UK<br /><br /><br /><br />ADHD medications are prescribed to adults by a psychiatrist if the diagnosis is made. However the NHS is currently experiencing shortages of several central nervous system stimulants as well as ADHD medicines.<br /><br />The shortage is caused by manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. It's expected to be solved between the months of October and December 2023.<br /><br />1. Adderall<br /><br />Adderall is an abbreviation for a mixture of amphétamine salts. It's a powerful stimulant which when taken in the right way, helps people with ADHD concentrate and stay on track, as well as manage their impulses. It's used to treat ADHD, as well as narcolepsy.<br /><br />It was the first medication to be approved by the FDA to treat both of these conditions. It is a central nerve stimulant that increases norepinephrine levels and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals increase concentration and alertness for those suffering from narcolepsy.<br /><br />Adderall is prescribed by doctors to ADHD patients in tablet or liquid form. It can be taken as required, or several times throughout the day to reduce symptoms of the condition. Adderall users can suffer from side effects like dry mouth, headaches and stomach upset. Some people can develop a tolerance to the medication and need to take more than what their doctor recommends to achieve the same effects.<br /><br />People suffering from certain heart conditions should not use stimulants, such as Adderall. They can cause anxiety and raise heart rate, which can be dangerous to people suffering from heart disease or issues. People suffering from glaucoma, liver or kidney problems should talk to their physicians prior to taking it. Adderall can also cause birth defects to babies born to mothers who were taking it during pregnancy. Animal studies have proven that the drug can cause birth defects in a fetus. However, there is not enough information to know the effects it has on a foetus.<br /><br />Stimulants can slow the growth rate of children, but the difference is not significant and children typically catch up by the time they are adults. They can also trigger psychosis, which is a mix between hallucinations, delusions and other signs.<br /><br />Adderall is classified as a Schedule II substance, which means it has a significant possibility of abuse. It can be misused by people who don't have ADHD and who take it to feel more energetic or lose weight. Illegal users frequently mix it with cocaine to boost its effects. It can also show up in drug screening tests for athletics or work.<br /><br />3. Concerto<br /><br />Concerta, similar to Adderall and Vyvanse is an extended-release medicine that is taken in the morning. It is believed to increase levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. This may improve concentration as well as other ADHD symptoms. It is essential to take this medication according to the dosage prescribed by a doctor. Do not increase the dosage without consulting your doctor. This can result in negative side consequences. It is also recommended that you store Concerta in a secure location away from reach of children and at the temperature of room.<br /><br />Insomnia is another frequent side effect, which can make it difficult to sleep. It is recommended that you try to take it at the same time every day. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">Read the Full Write-up</a> can keep track of your medication with an alarm clock or pill reminder. This medication is in pregnancy category C. It should only be used when the benefits outweigh the risks for the baby's development. Long-term use of methylphenidate is not recommended because it can lead to dependence.<br /><br />This medication can also cause tics. These are unintentional, repeated actions or sounds. This can be characterized by head bobbing, eye blinking and humming. This is something most people don't experience however if it does happen to you, talk to your doctor about it.<br /><br />4. Focalin<br /><br />Focalin can be utilized by adults and children to treat ADHD. It is a drug that contains the active ingredient, dexmethylphenidate. It is a stimulant for the central nervous system to reduce impulsivity and improve focus in people suffering from ADHD.<br /><br />Focalin, like other stimulant medications, can boost the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in the communication between nerve cells, and improve vigilance, attention and impulse control. This makes them effective ADHD treatment drugs. The dosage of Focalin varies depending on the age of the patient. It can be either long or short-acting. The immediate-release tablets have a short-acting effect while the extended-release tablets have a longer-acting.<br /><br />Focalin's long-term use can cause serious adverse effects. The drug has been associated with depression, specifically for those who aren't predisposed. This is because the drug can cause neurotransmitters to remain elevated for a prolonged time. Joanna Moncrieff is a professor of psychiatry and psychiatrist at University College London. She has spent hours fighting what she believes to be the overprescription of stimulant drugs for mental disorders.<br /><br />Certain people may also experience psychomotor retardation and agitation due to Focalin. Some individuals may feel temporarily energized and a little euphoric. Other typical Focalin side effects include sleeplessness and the feeling of drowsiness. Additionally, patients may sometimes develop tolerance to the drug where they require greater and higher doses to achieve the same effect. This could lead to dependence and addiction.<br /><br />To minimize the chance of Focalin misuse, doctors should regularly reassess the risk of their patients and look for indications of abuse, misuse, or addiction. They should advise patients to keep the medication in a secure location and not give it to anyone else. They should also inform patients about the dangers of accidental overdoses as well as how to dispose of any medicine that is not being used.<br /><br />Focalin unlike other ADHD medications does not immediately start to work. The effects of Focalin are evident in the first three hours following the dose and last for up to four hours. This is why it's often prescribed in conjunction with other non-medication therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy.<br /><br />