adhd medication For Adults UK
There are two kinds of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemical in the brain that control the impulsivity and attention.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD doctor can prescribe these medications. Your GP cannot. They are usually prescribed as a trial of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are mostly treated by medication. The choice of medications is a lot more diverse than when ADHD was first recognized as an illness. In the UK as with many other countries in Europe and America there are a number of various options available to psychiatrists treating ADHD.
As adhd medication uk of treatment it is recommended to take stimulants. These medications increase the activity of certain regions of the brain that regulate the flow of information, motivation, and mood. They also decrease impulsivity and improve concentration. They are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets, also known as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate also known as Ritalin amphetamines and salts (Adderall). They are available in immediate or extended release tablets, and the kind of tablet you choose to take will depend on your preference and the degree of your symptoms. These are controlled drugs, which means that they are only available by prescription and need to be monitored closely.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the brand names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs affect various areas of the brain to improve concentration and focus. They can also reduce blood pressure. In general, they are less likely to cause side reactions than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, and so may be more suitable for those who have experienced them.
Antidepressants, anti anxiety medication and other medications are also available. However, they are only recommended when stimulants or other medications have not given relief. Psychologists will often recommend therapy in conjunction with the use of medication as it is not possible to alter long-standing negative coping mechanisms by taking medication by itself.
It is vital to remember that taking medication for ADHD is always a individual choice and no psychiatrist should ever force a patient into it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages according to the individual's needs to prevent serious unwanted side effects. The proper dosage of therapy and medication can enhance your quality of life. But, it's essential to speak with an experienced psychiatrist prior to starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms should be severe, disruptive and present in multiple areas of daily life for a referral to an assessment clinic and diagnosis. This includes school, work and social life. Talk with your GP in case you or your child thinks they may be suffering from ADHD. Request a referral.
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 costs and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.