ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD medication that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants balance and boost levels of brain chemicals that control attention and the ability to focus.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD physician can prescribe these medications. Your GP is not able to prescribe them. They are often given as a trial of six weeks before making a change or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
The main treatment is medication for adults with ADHD and the range of medications is larger than when it was first identified as a condition. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of options.
Stimulants are often prescribed as an initial course of action, and these drugs enhance the activity of the regions of the brain responsible for attention, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. They can be taken as short or long-acting tablets, also known as immediate or modified release, and are generally effective at dealing with symptoms of ADHD very quickly.
The two most frequently-used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets can be instant release or extended release according to your preference and severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled' drugs that means they can only be purchased on prescription and will need to be monitored closely.
There are other medications that are prescribed for adults with ADHD such as guanfacine and Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These act on different parts of the brain to increase focus and help in focusing and can aid in reducing blood pressure. In general, these are less likely to cause adverse effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, so they might be more appropriate for people who experience these.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants and a range of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually only considered as a second-line alternative or for those who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms with stimulants or other medication. 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 time through medication.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD is a personal choice. No psychiatrist should ever force anyone into it. The medication can cause serious side effects and specialists will adjust the dosage on an individual basis to ensure they are safe for each individual. The right balance between medication and therapy can enhance your life quality. However, natural adhd medication is essential to speak with a psychiatrist before starting any medication.
best adhd medication for adults must be severe and disruptive in multiple domains of daily life in order to be eligible for a referral to a specialist for diagnosis and assessment. This includes school, home as well as social and work. Talk to your GP if you or your child thinks they may have 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; 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, Medice and Novartis.
