ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemicals in the brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by an expert ADHD doctor, not your GP. They are typically prescribed as a six-week trial before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Treatment with medication is the primary treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and the range of drugs is far greater than when it was first identified as a disease. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of choices.
The use of stimulants is often as an initial course of action, and these drugs increase activity in the parts of the brain that control motivation, attention and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. They are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets, which are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are effective at treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are the methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets can be immediate release or prolonged release, depending on your preference and severity of symptoms. These are controlled substances which means that you are able to get them with a prescription from a psychiatrist and they must be closely monitored.
Other medications may also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. adhd medications for adults affect various areas of the brain to increase concentration and focus. They can also reduce blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to cause adverse effects, and therefore they could be beneficial for those who suffer from these.
Other medication options include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually only recommended as a second line alternative or for those who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms by taking stimulants or other medications. Psychiatrists also recommend therapy in combination with medication, since it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time with medication.
It is important to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is an individual decision. No psychiatrist should ever oblige anyone to take it. There are severe side effects, and specialists will adjust dosages on an individual basis to make sure that they are safe for every person. Having the right balance of therapy and medication can greatly enhance your quality of life, but it is essential to see a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe and disruptive in multiple domains of daily life to qualify for a clinical referral 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 might have ADHD. Ask for an appointment.
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 and royalties as well as grants from Shire. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma, grants from Oxford University Press and Servier and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, Medice, and Novartis.