Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medical treatments can help ease symptoms of ADHD but they are not the only solution. People suffering from ADHD often benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
The effects of stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals that enable your cells to communicate. Your psychiatrist will first prescribe a medication, and then gradually adjust its dose to find the right balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants have been around the longest in ADHD medications, and they are likely to be given first to those who require these medications. They help by increasing the activity in parts of your brain that control attention and assist in taking action. They also increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which transmit messages between brain cells.
There are stimulants that have an effect that is short-acting and must be taken twice or three times daily, and other with a longer duration of action that can be taken just once per week. Your doctor and you will decide which is best for you based on when you prefer taking it, whether you are able to swallow pills or not, as well as the cost.
Methylphenidates and amphetamines are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications. Both have a long record of safe use in children, and research shows that they can be as effective for adults. They can be taken in the form of capsules, liquids or tablets. The effects typically begin within an hour. They are a well-tolerated drug and can be used both for short-term or long-term treatment. The most frequent side effects include headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the noradrenaline uptake. This means that it increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This can help increase concentration and reduce impulse-driven behavior, but it can trigger more serious adverse effects than methylphenidates or lisdexamfetamine. types of adhd medication can be taken as a daily tablet, however, it is also available in a modified-release form that can be taken just once per day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a mixture of dexamphetamine and methylphenidate. It is broken down by the body to produce its effects over a period of time. NICE suggests that it be used as a primary drug treatment for adults. Your GP may recommend switching you to it after an methylphenidate trial of six weeks.
In general doctors are more inclined to prescribe unlicensed medications for adults than for younger people, and many will provide you with a range of choices. They may be cheaper however they aren't fully tested and are therefore 'off licence'. This doesn't mean they are unsafe, but it does mean that you will need to pay for them through an individual psychiatrist and the NHS will not cover them.
The increased awareness of ADHD is good but it needs to be accompanied by an increase in investment in services for adults with the condition. We are at risk of creating a generation of people who will struggle in school, at work and in their relationships if we do not act. Those who are not helped by housing, education, healthcare and other support services may be faced with mental health issues that can lead to unemployment, homelessness, substance misuse, criminality, debt and health-related problems for their families.
GPs are trained to assess the presence of ADHD and may refer them to specialist clinics. They will inquire about your symptoms and then perform a series tests to rule out other disorders. Clinics will have specialists in areas like depression and anxiety and phobias Tourettes and autism, in addition to ADHD and ADHD, and they'll prescribe the right treatment for your specific situation.