ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants balance and boost levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention and impulsivity.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances, and only a specialist ADHD doctor can prescribe these medications. Your GP can't. They are usually prescribed for six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
The main treatment is medication for adults with ADHD, and the choice of drugs is much larger than when it was first recognised as a condition. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists are able to treat ADHD with a variety of choices.
As a first line of treatment, stimulants are prescribed. These medications increase the activity in parts of the brain which control the flow of information, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and boost concentration. They are available in short or long-acting tablets, known as immediate or modified release, and they generally work well in dealing with symptoms of ADHD very quickly.
The two most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets can be immediate release or extended release, depending on your preference and the severity of symptoms. These are controlled drugs which means that you can only purchase them through a prescription from a psychiatrist and they will need to be monitored closely.
There are also other medications that can be prescribed for adult ADHD like guanfacine or Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). They work on different areas of the brain to increase focus and help in focusing, and they can also aid in reducing blood pressure. In general, they are less likely to cause adverse effects than methylphenidate or amphetamine salts, so they could be better suited for people who experience them.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants and a range of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually only considered as a second-line alternative or for those who cannot find relief from the symptoms using stimulants or other drugs. Psychiatrists also typically suggest therapy in conjunction with the use of medication as it is not possible to change longstanding negative coping mechanisms with medication by itself.
It is vital to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is a individual decision and no psychiatrist should ever pressure patients to take it. There are serious side effects, and an experienced psychiatrist will adjust dosages on an individual basis to make sure that they are safe for each person. medication for inattentive adhd between therapy and medication can enhance your life quality. But, it's important to consult an experienced psychiatrist prior to starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe, disruptive and present in multiple aspects of daily life to warrant a referral to an assessment clinic for diagnosis. This includes school, work and social life. Talk to your GP in case you or your child thinks they may have ADHD. Request a referral.
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; grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal costs and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press as well as research collaborations with Medice Otsuka and Novartis.