Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medical treatments can help ease symptoms of ADHD however they are not a cure. adhd medication ritalin suffering from ADHD usually benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Stimulants increase your brain's amount of certain chemicals that allow your cells to communicate. Your doctor will first prescribe a medication, and then gradually alter the dosage to find the best balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-known of all ADHD medications and are likely to be prescribed first to those who require them. They work by increasing the activity in areas of your brain that control attention and aid in taking action. They also boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which transmit messages between brain cells.
There are short-acting stimulants which must be taken at least 2 or 3 times per day, and long-acting ones which can be taken just once per day. Your doctor and you will determine which one is best for you, based on when you prefer taking it, whether you can swallow pills or not, as well as the cost.
Methylphenidates and amphetamines are among the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications. Both have a long record of being used safely in children, and research has shown that they can be as effective for adults. They can be taken as tablets, capsules or liquids and usually begin to take effects within a matter of hours. They are a well-tolerated drug and can be used both for long-term and short-term treatment. The most frequent adverse effects include headaches, sleep problems, and loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine is also known as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means that it increases noradrenaline levels in the brain. This helps to increase concentration and reduce impulse-driven behavior, but it can cause more serious side consequences than lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidates. It is available as a daily tablet, however, it is also available in a modified-release form that can be taken once per day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a combination of dexamphetamine and methylphenidate. It is broken down by the body to create its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment for adults. It suggests you could be switched to it when your GP offers you a six-week trial of methylphenidate.
In general, doctors are more willing to prescribe non-licensed medicines for adults than younger people, and many will give you a variety of options. They can be less expensive, but they may not have been thoroughly tested thus are 'off license'. This doesn't mean they are unsafe however it does mean that you will need to pay for them through a private psychiatrist and that the NHS is not likely to pay for them.
Increased awareness of ADHD is good but it needs to be matched by increased investment in services for adults with the condition. We risk creating a generation of people who struggle in school, at work, and in their relationships if we don't act. People who don't receive assistance from housing, education or healthcare services could develop mental health issues that could lead to homelessness, unemployment or crime, addiction to drugs, and health-related problems.
GPs are trained to identify the presence of ADHD and can refer patients to specialist clinics. They will ask you about your symptoms, and then perform a series tests to rule out any other disorders. Clinics will have specialists in areas such as depression, anxiety as well as phobias, Tourettes and autism, as well as ADHD and ADHD, and they will prescribe the right treatment for your specific situation.