ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two types of ADHD treatment: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention and the ability to focus.
Adult medications for ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by an experienced ADHD specialist, not your GP. They are often given as a six-week trial before making a change or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Medications are the main treatment for adults with ADHD, and the choice of drugs is much larger than when it was first identified as a condition. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD with a variety of options.
As a primary line of treatment the doctor prescribes stimulants. These medications increase the activity of certain regions of the brain which control motivation, attention, and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They are available in short or long acting tablets, referred to as immediate or modified release, and they are generally effective in dealing with symptoms of ADHD very quickly.
The two most commonly used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). The tablets are available in immediate release or extended release depending on your preference and the severity of symptoms. These are controlled substances, meaning that you can only get them with a prescription from a psychiatrist. Also, they must be monitored closely.
Other medications can also be prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs affect different regions of the brain to increase attention and make focusing easier, and they can also aid in reducing blood pressure. In adhd no medication , they are less likely to cause adverse effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, and so may be more suitable for those who have experienced them.
Antidepressants, anti anxiety medication and other medications are also available. However, they are only recommended when stimulants or another medication has not provided relief. Psychologists also recommend therapy in combination with medication, since it is impossible to change the negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time by taking medication.
It is important to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is a individual choice and no psychiatrist should ever pressure the patient to do it. Medication can have serious side effects, and specialists will adjust the doses on an individual basis to ensure that they are safe for every person. A proper dosage of therapy and medication can enhance your life quality. But, it's important to consult a psychiatrist before starting any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe and disruptive in all aspects of everyday life to qualify for a clinical referral for diagnosis and assessment. This includes home, school and work, as well as social life. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD discuss it with your GP and ask for a referral to an NHS clinic that is specialized in the management of neurodiverse conditions like ADHD.
TB declares advisory or consultancy 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 as well as grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma and grants from Oxford University Press and Servier and research collaboration with Medice Otsuka, Medice, and Novartis.