ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD treatment which are 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 doctor can prescribe these medications. Your GP cannot. They are typically prescribed in a six-week test before making a change or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Treatment with medication is the primary treatment for adults with ADHD and the selection of medications is larger than when it was first recognized as a disease. In the UK, like many countries in Europe and America, there are a number of different options for psychiatrists who treat ADHD.
As a first line of treatment, stimulants are prescribed. These medications increase the activity of certain regions of the brain which control motivation, attention, and mood. They also decrease impulsivity and improve concentration. They are available in short-acting or long-acting tablets. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are effective at treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate, also called Ritalin, and amphetamines salts (Adderall). They are available in immediate or extended release tablets, and the type of tablet you take will depend on the type you prefer and the severity of your symptoms. These are controlled substances which means that you can only purchase them on prescription from a psychiatrist. Also, they must be closely monitored.
Other medications may also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the brand names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. 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 side reactions than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, so they could be better suited for those who suffer from them.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants and a range of anti-anxiety medication, but these are usually considered as a second-line option or for people who cannot find relief from the symptoms by taking stimulants or other medication. Psychiatrists also typically recommend therapy in conjunction with the use of medication since it isn't possible to change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms with medication by itself.
It is essential to remember that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual choice. A psychiatrist should never make anyone take it. adhd medication will adjust dosages according to the individual's needs in order to avoid any serious unwanted side effects. Finding the right balance between treatment and medication can dramatically enhance your quality of life however, it is vital to see a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in multiple aspects of daily life to warrant a referral to an assessment clinic and diagnosis. This includes home, school as well as social and work. Talk with your GP if you or your child believes they may be suffering from ADHD. Ask for a referral.
TB declares advisory or consultancy 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 as well as grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma and grants from Oxford University Press and Servier and research collaboration with Medice, Otsuka and Novartis.