ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention and the ability to focus.
Medications for adults with ADHD are controlled substances and can only be prescribed by a specialist ADHD specialist, not your GP. They are usually prescribed in a six-week test before switching or increasing the dose.
Stimulants
The main treatment is medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and the choice of drugs is far larger than when it was first identified as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists are able to treat ADHD with a range of choices.
The use of stimulants is often as a first method of treatment and they boost activity in the areas of the brain responsible for motivation, attention and mood. They also decrease impulsivity and boost concentration. They are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets, also known as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin amphetamines salts (Adderall). They can be taken as extended or immediate release tablets, and the kind of tablet you take will depend on your preference and the severity of your symptoms. These are controlled medications which means they can only be obtained through prescription and have to be closely monitored.
There are a variety of other medications that can be prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD, including guanfacine and Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). adhd medication list affect different parts in the brain to improve focus and attention. They also can lower blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to cause adverse effects, and therefore they could be better for those who experience them.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety medications, but they are typically only recommended as a second line option for those who are unable to relieve the symptoms by taking stimulants or other medication. Psychiatrists will also usually recommend therapy in conjunction with the use of medication as it isn't possible to change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms through medication by itself.
It is crucial to remember that taking medication for ADHD is a individual decision and no doctor should ever force the patient to do it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosage to meet the needs of each patient in order to avoid any serious consequences. Having the right balance of treatment and medication can dramatically improve your life quality, but it is essential to see an expert psychiatrist to get a clear diagnosis before you start treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in a variety of areas of daily life for a referral to a clinic for assessment and diagnosis. This includes home, school and work, as well as social life. Talk with your GP if you or your child thinks 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 as well as grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma and grants from Oxford University Press and Servier; and research collaboration with Medice Otsuka, Medice and Novartis.