ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD medication which are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemical in the brain which regulate attention and impulsivity.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD clinician can prescribe these medications. Your GP cannot. They are often given as a six-week trial before switching or increasing the dose.
Stimulants
Medications are the main treatment for adults with ADHD, and the choice of medications is greater than when it was first recognised as a condition. In the UK as well as other countries in Europe and America, there are a number of different options for psychiatrists treating ADHD.
adhd medications for adults are usually prescribed as an initial method of treatment and they enhance the activity of the regions of the brain that control the mood, motivation and attention. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They can be taken as short or long-acting tablets, also known as modified or immediate release, and are generally effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD rapidly.
The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate also called Ritalin, and amphetamines salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or prolonged release, according to your preference and severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs' which means that you can only purchase them on prescription from a psychiatrist. Also, they will need to be monitored closely.
Other medications may also be prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. These medications affect different parts of the brain to increase focus and attention. They also help lower blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to cause adverse effects, so they may be beneficial for people who have experienced them.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and other medicines are also available. However, my response are only recommended when stimulants or another medication has not provided relief. Psychiatrists will also usually suggest therapy in conjunction with the use of medication because it is impossible to change longstanding negative coping mechanisms by taking medication alone.
my response is crucial to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual decision. A psychiatrist should never oblige anyone to take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosage to meet the needs of each patient to avoid negative consequences. Finding the right balance of medication and therapy can significantly improve your quality of life however, it is vital to consult with a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive and severe across multiple areas of everyday life to qualify for a clinical referral for diagnosis and assessment. This includes school, work and social life. Talk with your GP if you or your child suspects they might have ADHD. Ask for an appointment.
TB declares advisory or consultant 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; grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka and Novartis.