ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types: stimulants and other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemicals in the brain which regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Adult medications for ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by an expert ADHD clinician, rather than your GP. They are often given in a six-week test before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults with ADHD are primarily treated with medication. The range of drugs available is a lot more diverse than it was when ADHD was first recognized as a disorder. In adhd medication for adults uk as well as other countries in Europe and America there are many different options available to psychiatrists treating ADHD.
They are usually prescribed as the first method of treatment and enhance the activity of the regions of the brain responsible for the mood, motivation and attention. They also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. They are available in short-acting or long-acting tablets, also known as immediate release or modified release. They are effective in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most frequently-used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). These can be taken in extended or immediate release tablets, and the type of tablet you take will depend on the type you prefer and the degree of your symptoms. These are controlled substances which means that you can only get them on prescription from a psychiatrist, and they will need to be monitored closely.
There are a variety of other medications that are 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 improve concentration and improve focus, and they can also aid in reducing blood pressure. In general, these are less likely to cause side effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts and might be more appropriate for those who have experienced these.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and other medications are available. However, adhd medication uk for adults are only recommended if stimulants or another medication has not brought relief. Psychiatrists also recommend therapy in conjunction with medication because it is difficult to alter the negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time through medication.
It is crucial to remember that taking medication for ADHD is always a individual decision and no doctor should ever pressure patients to take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages to each patient's needs to avoid serious consequences. The proper balance between medication and therapy can enhance your quality of life. However, it's essential to consult with a psychiatrist before starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms 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. If you think you or your child might have ADHD, talk to your GP and ask for a referral to an NHS clinic that focuses on the management of neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD.
TB declares consulting or advisory roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice and royalties as well as grants from Shire. 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.