ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds: stimulants and other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention and impulsivity.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are controlled substances and can only be prescribed by a specialist ADHD specialist, not your GP. They are usually prescribed in a six-week test before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Medications are the main treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and the range of drugs is far larger than when it was first recognised as a disease. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of choices.
As a first-line treatment it is recommended to take stimulants. These medications increase the activity of certain regions of the brain that control the flow of information, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. They are available in short-acting or long-acting tablets, which are also referred to as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). They can be taken as 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 you can only purchase them through a prescription from a psychiatrist and they'll need to be closely monitored.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. These medications affect different areas of the brain to increase concentration and attention. They can also reduce blood pressure. They are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to cause side effects, and therefore they could be beneficial for those who experience these.
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication and other medications are available. However, adhd medication list are only recommended if stimulants or another medication has not given relief. Psychologists also recommend therapy in conjunction with medication because it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time by taking medication.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD is a personal choice. No psychiatrist should ever oblige anyone to take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust dosages to each patient's needs to prevent serious unwanted side effects. Finding the right balance of treatment and medication can dramatically improve your quality of life however, it is vital to consult 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 be eligible for a referral to a specialist for diagnosis and assessment. This includes home, school as well as social and work. Talk with your GP if you or your child thinks they may be suffering from ADHD. Request 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 and grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal costs and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.