ADHD Medications
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a stimulant drug that stimulates brain activity in the regions of the brain responsible for controlling attention and behavior. It is the most popular ADHD medication prescribed in Europe and the UK. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets or modified release once daily tablets.
Psychiatrists who specialise in ADHD will have extensive experience of the various medications available for this condition. Adults with ADHD typically are treated with medication first, but talking therapy is also a good option.
Stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used type of adhduk medication available, improve the quantity of neurotransmitters present in synapses (the chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate). This improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are fast-acting and begin to have an effect within 45-60 minutes. Amphetamines, like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidate, such as Concerta and Ritalin, are examples of stimulants.
There are also a number of non-stimulants with different mechanisms of action. Atomoxetine, for instance, is a selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor, which increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain, and helps improve concentration. Other medications, like bupropion (Welbutrin), are not licensed to treat ADHD but may be prescribed off-label.
Your psychiatrist will carefully adjust the dose to ensure you get the perfect balance of effects, whether you are taking stimulants or non-stimulants. Your doctor will take into account how you feel, what side effects are most frequent and whether the drug is working. They will usually reassess the medication regularly.
If you have to stop taking your ADHD medication, there are other options including diet pills and caffeine, which can help control the symptoms. However, they should not be used as a replacement for your medication, and anyone who is considering this should consult their doctor or psychiatrist.
ADHD medications can be extremely beneficial for both adults and children. for beginners help them focus better, feel more relaxed, and have less impulsivity. They are also utilized to help them learn new skills and to practice them. For this reason, it can be really worrying when these drugs are in short supply. Many adults have reported having to ration their prescriptions or even stockpile them to last until the shortage is solved.
The short-term supply issue is caused by a number of factors, such as delays in production and problems with limits. There have been shortages not only in the UK but also in the US.
The government has committed to working with manufacturers over the long term to ensure the supply of ADHD medication. They are expected to solve this issue by October at the earliest. In the meantime, the NHS is encouraging patients to see their doctor or pharmacist before running out of medication, and if they have to change the dosage or frequency, they should do so only in consultation with their doctor. They can also assist with arranging alternative treatments to keep you healthy and focused. For example, they may recommend cognitive behavior therapy or mindfulness. They might also suggest strategies to improve sleep and reducing stress. This multimodal approach has been shown to be the most effective method of treating ADHD. The most successful approaches include lifestyle changes, medication and behavioral therapy. Evidence-based practice is what we refer to as this. The NIHR developed a toolkit which aids clinicians in diagnosing and managing ADHD.