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ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants increase and balance levels of chemical in the brain which regulate the impulsivity and attention.
Adult medications for ADHD are controlled substances and must be prescribed by an expert ADHD clinician, rather than your GP. They are usually given for a period of six weeks prior to changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Medications are the main treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, and the choice of medications is greater than when it was first recognized as a disease. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of choices.
The use of stimulants is often as a first method of treatment, and these drugs boost activity in the areas of the brain that regulate the mood, motivation and attention. They also reduce 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 commonly used stimulants are the methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or extended release according to your preference and the severity of symptoms. These are controlled drugs which means they can only be obtained on prescription and will need to monitored closely.
There are other medications that are prescribed for adult ADHD, including guanfacine and lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These medications work on different parts of the brain to improve concentration and attention. They also can lower blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to cause side effects, and therefore they could be better for those who experience these.
Other medications include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually only considered as a second-line option or for people who cannot find relief from the symptoms using stimulants or other medications. Psychologists will often recommend therapy in conjunction with the use of medication because it is not possible to change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms with medication alone.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual decision. There is no reason for a psychiatrist to force anyone into it. The medication can cause serious side effects, and specialists will adjust the dosage on an individual basis to make sure that they are safe for every person. Having the right balance of therapy and medication can greatly improve your life quality, but it is essential to consult with a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis prior to starting treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms should be severe, disruptive and present in multiple aspects of everyday life to warrant referral to an assessment clinic for diagnosis. adhd medications includes school, work and social life. Talk with your GP If you or your child thinks they may have ADHD. Ask for an appointment.
TB declares advisory or consultant 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 expenses from Shire and Viforpharma, grants from Oxford University Press and Servier and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, Medice and Novartis.
