Ten Taboos About ADHD Medication Adults UK You Shouldn't Post On Twitter
ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD medication that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of the chemicals in the brain that regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances, and only a specialist ADHD physician can prescribe these medications. Your GP cannot. They are usually prescribed for a period of six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
non stimulant adhd medication suffering from ADHD are primarily treated with medications. The range of drugs available is much more extensive than it was when ADHD was first recognized as a disorder. In the UK, like many countries in Europe and America there are a number of different options for psychiatrists treating ADHD.
As a primary line of treatment, stimulants are prescribed. These drugs increase the activity of parts of the brain that regulate motivation, attention and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and boost concentration. They are available in short or long-acting tablets, known as immediate or modified release, and they are generally effective at treating symptoms of ADHD very quickly.
The two most frequently-used stimulants are the methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). These can be taken in extended or immediate release tablets, and the kind of tablet you choose to take will depend on your preferences and the degree of your symptoms. These are controlled drugs which means that you are able to get them with a prescription from a psychiatrist, and they'll need to be closely monitored.
There are also other medications that are prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD like guanfacine or Lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These act on different parts of the brain to increase concentration and improve focus, and they can also aid in reducing blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to cause adverse effects, so they may be beneficial to people who have experienced them.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants as well as a variety of anti-anxiety medication, but they are typically only recommended as a second line option for those who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms using stimulants or other medication. Psychologists also recommend therapy conjunction with medication, as it is impossible to change the negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time through medication.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD is always a personal decision and no doctor should ever try to force patients to take it. There are serious side effects, and specialists will adjust dosages on an individual basis to make sure that they are safe for each person. Having the right balance of therapy and medication can greatly improve your quality of life however, it is vital to see a psychiatrist for an accurate diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe and disruptive in multiple domains of daily life in order to qualify for a clinical referral for assessment and diagnosis. This includes school, home, work and social life. If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD Talk to your GP and ask for a referral to an NHS clinic that focuses on the management of neurodiverse disorders like ADHD.
TB declares advisory or consulting roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice as well as grants and royalties from Shire. DC declares personal expenses and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press, as well as research collaborations with Medice Otsuka and Novartis.