ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD medication: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants increase and balance levels of the chemicals in the brain that regulate the impulsivity and attention.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances and only a specialist ADHD clinician can prescribe these medications. Your GP is not able to prescribe them. They are typically prescribed as a trial of six weeks before switching or increasing the dose.
Stimulants
Treatment with medication is the primary treatment for adults with ADHD, and the choice of medications is more extensive than when it was first recognised as a disease. In adhd no medication as well as other countries in Europe and America there are many various options available to psychiatrists treating ADHD.
They are usually prescribed as a first method of treatment, and these drugs enhance the activity of the regions of the brain responsible for the mood, motivation and attention. 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 in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most frequently-used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They are available in immediate or extended release tablets, and the type of tablet you take will depend on your preference and the severity of your symptoms. These are 'controlled' drugs that means they can only be purchased on prescription and will need to be closely monitored.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the brand names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. They work on different areas of the brain to improve concentration and improve focus and can help reduce blood pressure. In general, these are less likely to cause side effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, and so could be better suited for those who have experienced these.
Other medication options include antidepressants as well as a variety of anti-anxiety medication, but they are typically only suggested as a last resort option for those who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms by taking stimulants or other drugs. Psychiatrists also recommend therapy in conjunction with medication because it is difficult to alter the negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time through medications.
It is crucial to remember that taking medication for ADHD is an individual decision. There is no reason for a psychiatrist to make anyone take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages to each patient's needs in order to avoid any negative side effects. The right balance between therapy and medication can improve your quality-of-life. However, it is essential to speak with a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication.
ADHD symptoms should be severe, disruptive and present in multiple areas of daily life to warrant a referral to an assessment clinic and diagnosis. This includes school, work and social life. If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, talk to your GP and ask for the referral to an NHS clinic that is specialized in the management of neurodiverse conditions like ADHD.
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 and royalties from Hogrefe and Kohlhammer and grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma, grants from Oxford University Press and Servier; and research collaboration with Medice, Otsuka and Novartis.