ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants raise and balance levels of chemicals in the brain which regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Medications for adults with ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by an experienced ADHD clinician, rather than your GP. They are usually prescribed for a period of six weeks prior to changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults with ADHD are primarily treated with medication. The range of drugs available is much more extensive than when ADHD was first recognized as a disorder. In the UK as well as other countries in Europe and America, there are a number of different options for psychiatrists treating ADHD.
As a first-line treatment it is recommended to take stimulants. These drugs boost the activity of parts of the brain that regulate the flow of information, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. They are available in short-acting or long-acting tablets. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most frequently-used stimulants are the methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They can be taken as extended or immediate release tablets, and the type of tablet you take will depend on your preference and the severity of your symptoms. These are controlled drugs that means they can only be obtained on prescription and will need to monitored closely.
There are also other medications that are prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD, including guanfacine and lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). They work on different areas of the brain to enhance concentration and improve focus and can help reduce blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to cause adverse effects, so they could be better for people who have experienced these.
Other medications include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety medications, but they are typically only considered as a second-line alternative or for those who are unable to relieve the symptoms using stimulants or other medication. Psychologists will often suggest therapy in conjunction with the use of medication since it is not possible to change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms through medication by itself.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual choice. No psychiatrist should ever force anyone into it. Medication can have serious side effects and a specialist psychiatrist will titrate dosages on an individual basis to ensure that they are safe for every person. A proper dosage of therapy and medication can enhance your quality of life. But, it's important to consult a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive and severe in multiple domains of everyday life to be eligible for a referral to a specialist for diagnosis and assessment. This includes school, home as well as social and work. Talk with your GP If you or your child suspects they may be suffering from ADHD. Ask for treating adhd without medication .
TB declares advisory or consulting 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; royalties from Hogrefe and Kohlhammer; grants from Shire and Viforpharma. 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.