ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemical in the brain that control the impulsivity and attention.
Adult medications for ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by a specialist ADHD specialist, not your GP. They are typically prescribed in a six-week test before making a change or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Treatment with medication is the primary treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and the selection of drugs is far more extensive than when it was first identified as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD with a range of options.
As a primary line of treatment it is recommended to take stimulants. These medications increase the activity of certain regions of the brain that regulate the flow of information, motivation, and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and boost concentration. They are available in short or long-acting tablets, also known as immediate or modified release, and generally work well in treating symptoms of ADHD rapidly.
The two most frequently used stimulants are the methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or extended release, depending on your preference and severity of symptoms. These are controlled substances which means that you can only purchase them with a prescription from a psychiatrist and they will need to be closely monitored.
There are other medications that can be prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD, including guanfacine and Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These drugs affect different regions of the brain to enhance concentration and improve focus and also help reduce blood pressure. In general, these are less likely to cause adverse effects than methylphenidate or amphetamine salts, and so could be better suited for people who experience these.
Other medication options include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually considered as a second-line option or for people who cannot find relief from the symptoms by taking stimulants or other medication. Psychologists also recommend therapy conjunction with medication, as it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long time through medication.
It is important to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is a completely individual decision and no doctor should ever try to force the patient to do it. The medication can cause serious side effects and specialists will adjust the dosage on an individual basis to ensure that they are safe for every person. Finding Highly recommended Reading of therapy and medication can greatly improve your quality of life, but it is essential to consult with a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
add adhd medications must be disruptive, severe and present in a variety of areas of daily life to warrant a referral to a clinic for assessment and diagnosis. This includes school, home as well as social and work. Talk with your GP If you or your child suspects they may have ADHD. Request a referral.
TB declares advisory or consultancy roles with Actelion, Hexal Pharma, Lilly, Medice, Novartis, Otsuka and PCM Scientific; conference support or speaker's fees from Medice, Oxford Outcomes, Otsuka and Shire and royalties from Hogrefe and Kohlhammer as well as grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal expenses from Shire and Viforpharma and grants from Oxford University Press and Servier; and research collaboration with Medice Otsuka, Medice, and Novartis.