ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds: stimulants and other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemicals in the brain that regulate attention and impulsivity.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are controlled substances and must be prescribed by an experienced ADHD specialist, not your GP. They are typically prescribed as a six-week trial before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
The main treatment is medication for adults suffering from ADHD, and the choice of drugs is far greater than when it was first recognised as a condition. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of treatments.
As a first-line treatment the doctor prescribes stimulants. These drugs increase the activity of parts of the brain that regulate motivation, attention and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They are available in short-acting and 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 methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets can be instant release or extended release according to your preference and the severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs', meaning that you are able to get them on prescription from a psychiatrist and they must be monitored closely.
Other medications are also prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include the guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. adhd medication ritalin affect various parts in the brain to improve focus and attention. They also can lower blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to trigger side effects, and therefore they could be better for those who experience these.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants as well as a variety of anti-anxiety medication, but these are usually suggested as a last resort option for those who cannot find relief from the symptoms with stimulants or other medication. Psychiatrists also typically suggest therapy in conjunction with the use of medication since it isn't possible to alter long-standing negative coping mechanisms with medication by itself.
It is vital to remember that taking medication for ADHD is a individual choice and no psychiatrist should ever pressure a patient into it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages according to the individual's needs to prevent negative unwanted side effects. A proper balance between therapy and medication can enhance your quality of life. But, it's important to consult an experienced psychiatrist prior to starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe, disruptive and present in a variety of areas of everyday life to warrant referral to a clinic for assessment and diagnosis. This includes work, school and social life. If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD discuss it with your GP and ask for a referral to an NHS clinic that is specialized in the treatment of neurodiverse disorders such as ADHD.
TB declares consulting or advisory roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice; royalties and grants from Shire. DC declares personal fees and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press, and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.