ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance 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 them. adhd medication ritalin is not able to prescribe them. 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 identified as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD with a variety of options.
They are usually prescribed as an initial method of treatment, and these drugs increase activity in the parts of the brain that control attention, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and improve concentration. They are available in short-acting or long-acting tablets, which are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are effective in treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are the methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or extended release, according to your preference and severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs', meaning that you can only get them on prescription from a psychiatrist, and they will need to be monitored closely.
Other medications may also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include the guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. These medications work on different parts of the brain to increase concentration and focus. They also help lower blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to trigger side effects, and therefore they could be beneficial for those who suffer from these.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and other medications are available. However, they are only recommended when stimulants or another medication has not provided relief. Psychologists will often recommend therapy alongside the use of medication since it is impossible to change longstanding negative coping mechanisms with medication by itself.
It is important to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is always a personal decision and no doctor should ever pressure a patient into it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust the dosages to each patient's needs to prevent serious consequences. The right balance between medication and therapy can improve your quality-of-life. But, it's essential to consult with a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive and severe in all aspects of daily life in order to qualify for a clinical referral for assessment and diagnosis. This includes work, school and social life. If you think you or your child might have ADHD, talk to your GP and ask for a referral to an NHS clinic that is specialized in the management of neurodiverse disorders like 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 as well as grants and royalties from Shire. 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.