ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD medication that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants balance and boost levels of brain chemicals that control attention and impulsivity.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances and only a specialist ADHD clinician can prescribe these medications. Your GP is not able to prescribe them. They are usually prescribed for a period of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Treatment with medication is the primary treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and the selection of drugs is much larger than when it was first identified as a disease. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists can treat ADHD with a variety of choices.
The use of stimulants is often as the first course of action and they increase activity in the parts of the brain that regulate the mood, motivation and attention. They also decrease impulsivity and boost concentration. They are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets. adhd medication are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate, called Ritalin amphetamines salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or extended release depending on your preference and severity of symptoms. These are controlled medications, which means that they can only be obtained on prescription and will need to be monitored closely.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. They work on different areas of the brain to improve attention and make focusing easier and can help reduce blood pressure. In general, they are less likely to cause adverse effects than methylphenidate or amphetamine salts, so they may be more suitable for people who experience them.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and other medications are also available. However, they are only recommended when stimulants or other medications have not given relief. Psychologists will often suggest therapy in conjunction with the use of medication because it is not possible to change longstanding negative coping mechanisms with medication by itself.
It is crucial to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is always a individual choice and no psychiatrist should ever try to force patients to take it. Medication can have serious side effects and specialists will adjust the doses on an individual basis to ensure they are safe for each individual. Finding the right balance of treatment and medication can dramatically enhance your quality of life However, it is crucial to consult with an experienced psychiatrist for a precise diagnosis prior to starting treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe, disruptive and present in multiple aspects of daily life for a referral to a clinic for assessment and diagnosis. This includes school, home as well as social and work. Talk to your GP If you or your child believes they may have ADHD. Request an appointment.
TB declares advisory or consulting 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 and grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma, grants from Oxford University Press and Servier and research collaboration with Medice Otsuka, Medice and Novartis.