ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants raise and balance levels of chemical in the brain that control the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Adult medications for ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by an experienced ADHD doctor, not your GP. They are usually given for a period of six weeks prior to changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are primarily treated with medication. The choice of medications is now much wider than it was before ADHD was first recognized as an illness. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of treatments.
The use of stimulants is often as an initial course of action, and these drugs boost activity in the areas of the brain that control motivation, attention and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and improve 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 very quickly.
The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate also called Ritalin amphetamines salts (Adderall). They are available in extended or immediate release tablets, and the kind of tablet you choose to take will depend on your preference and the severity of your symptoms. These are controlled drugs, meaning that you can only get them with a prescription from a psychiatrist. Also, they'll need to be monitored closely.
There are other medications that can be prescribed for adult ADHD like guanfacine or Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These act on different parts of the brain to increase attention and make focusing easier and can aid in reducing blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to trigger side effects, so they could be beneficial to those who experience them.
Other medication options include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety medications, but these are usually considered as a second-line option or for people who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms by taking stimulants or other medications. Psychiatrists will also usually suggest therapy in conjunction with the use of medication since it is impossible to change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms through medication by itself.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD is an individual decision. There is no reason for a psychiatrist to oblige anyone to take it. There are severe side effects, and specialists will adjust dosages on an individual basis to ensure they are safe for each person. The proper dosage of therapy and medication can enhance your quality of life. However, Iampsychiatry is important to consult a psychiatrist before starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in multiple aspects of everyday life to warrant referral to an assessment clinic and diagnosis. This includes work, school and social life. Talk with your GP If you or your child thinks they might have ADHD. Request a referral.
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 and grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal expenses and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press as well as research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.