ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds: stimulants and other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention and impulsivity.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by a specialist ADHD doctor, not your GP. They are typically prescribed for a period of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. The selection of drugs is a lot more diverse than it was when ADHD was first recognized as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of options.
The use of stimulants is often as the first method of treatment, and these drugs enhance the activity of the regions of the brain that control the mood, motivation and attention. They also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. They can be taken in short or long acting tablets, referred to as modified or immediate release, and they are generally effective at dealing with the symptoms of ADHD quickly.
The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate also called Ritalin, and amphetamines salts (Adderall). These can be taken in extended or immediate release tablets, and the kind of tablet you use will depend on the type you prefer and the severity of your symptoms. medication for adhd are 'controlled drugs', meaning that you can only purchase them with a prescription from a psychiatrist and they must be monitored closely.
There are other medications that can be prescribed for adults with ADHD such as guanfacine and Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These act on different parts of the brain to increase focus and help in focusing and can help reduce blood pressure. In general, they are less likely to cause side reactions than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, and so could be better suited for people who experience these.
adhd and medication , anti-anxiety medications and other medications are also available. However, they are only recommended if stimulants or another medication has not given relief. Psychologists also recommend therapy combination with medication, since it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long time through medication.
It is vital to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is a individual decision and no doctor should ever force patients to take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust the dosages according to the individual's needs in order to avoid any serious consequences. The right dosage of therapy and medication can enhance your life quality. However, it's essential to consult with an experienced psychiatrist prior to starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in multiple aspects of everyday life to warrant referral to an assessment clinic and diagnosis. This includes school, work and social life. Talk to your GP in case you or your child believes they may be suffering from ADHD. Request a referral.
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 as well as grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal expenses and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press, and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.