ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities such as Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have revealed their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis with the public increasing awareness of the condition. The NHS is struggling to cope with the demand, with long wait times for diagnosis and a taskforce established to improve the quality of services.
The primary treatment is stimulant drugs, which boost levels of a certain chemical in the brain to reduce inattention and excessive activity. But they're not an effective treatment.
Stimulants
The good news is that ADHD medication has improved since its first appearance in the 1980s. The UK is currently in a better position than Europe or America and has a good choice of drugs on offer. The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) It is available in both short- and extended-release tablets. It works by increasing the dopamine activity in your brain, which decreases the impulsivity of your brain and makes it easier to pay attention. It also increases motivation and decrease hyperactivity. There are a number of other medications that act as stimulants but aren't. People with Tourette's Disorder are prescribed Clonidine (brand name Tenex) or guanfacine. Guanfacine has fewer side effects than clonidine and could aid in reducing tics and impulsivity.
Amphetamines is the next group of drugs that are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are more potent than methylphenidate, however they may cause more side effects such as insomnia and increased hunger. They are effective for certain individuals and are generally regarded as less harmful than other stimulants. There are two amphetamines that you might be offered if methylphenidate doesn't work for you - dexamfetamine (brand name Lisdexamfetamine) and lisdexamfetamine/amphetamine hydrochloride (brand name Dexamfetamine).
There is a non-stimulant drug sometimes used in the UK for adults suffering from ADHD that is called Atomoxetine (sometimes called Strattera). It doesn't affect the levels of dopamine but does cause an increase in noradrenaline, another type of messenger chemical that assists in transfer information from one part of your brain to the other. It aids in concentration and decreases impulses, but it can take several weeks to fully take effect.
Having an assessment and diagnosis of adult ADHD can give you a lot more confidence in how to manage your symptoms. The first step is to speak to your GP and discuss your concerns and ask for an appointment at the local specialist clinic. Your GP can assist you if they're well-informed about neurodiverse disorders like ADHD.
It's normal to feel nervous prior to your first appointment with a psychiatrist, particularly in the event that you're thinking about taking medications. adhd medication list may have heard scare stories or watched documentaries like Netflix's "Take Your Pills" that can make you wonder if are going to turn into a zombie on psychiatric medication. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in ADHD and can help you feel secure and at ease during the process. They will start you on your medication and will then schedule fortnightly or monthly appointments to track your progress and dosage levels, depending on the service you select. You can then return to your GP for ongoing care and treatment.