ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants balance and boost levels of brain chemicals that control attention and the ability to focus.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances and only a specialist ADHD physician can prescribe these medications. Your GP cannot. They are often given as a six-week trial before making a change or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated primarily by medication. The choice of medications is a lot more diverse than when ADHD was first recognized as an illness. In the UK as well as other countries in Europe and America there are many various options available to psychiatrists who treat ADHD.
The use of stimulants is often as a first course of action and they increase activity in the parts of the brain that control motivation, attention and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. They can be taken as short or long-acting tablets, referred to as immediate or modified release, and are generally effective in dealing with the symptoms of ADHD quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate also called Ritalin amphetamines and salts (Adderall). The tablets can be immediate release or prolonged release, depending on your preference and the severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled' drugs which means they are only available on prescription and will need to monitored closely.
Other medications are also prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. They work on different areas of the brain to enhance focus and help in focusing, and they can also aid in reducing blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to cause side effects, so they may be better for those who experience these.
Other medications include antidepressants and a range of anti-anxiety medication, but they are typically only recommended as a second line option for those who are unable to relieve the symptoms using stimulants or other medication. Psychiatrists will also usually recommend therapy in conjunction with the use of medication because it is impossible to change longstanding negative coping mechanisms with medication by itself.
inattentive adhd medication is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual choice. There is no reason for a psychiatrist to make anyone take it. The medication can cause serious side effects, and a specialist psychiatrist will titrate the doses on an individual basis to make sure that they are safe for each individual. Finding the right balance of therapy and medication can greatly improve your quality of life however, it is vital to see an expert psychiatrist to get a clear diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive and severe across multiple areas of daily life to be eligible for a referral to a specialist for diagnosis and assessment. This includes home, school and work, as well as social life. Talk to your GP if you or your child believes they might have ADHD. Ask for an appointment.
TB declares advisory or consulting 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 and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press, as well as research collaborations with Medice Otsuka and Novartis.