Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medications can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, but they are not a cure. Lifestyle modifications and therapy with a talk are often beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD.
Stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals in your brain, which allow your brain cells to communicate. Initially, your psychiatrist will prescribe a medication and gradually alter dosage until you determine the most effective balance for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants have been around for the longest in ADHD medications, and they are likely to be offered first to anyone who needs these medications. They boost activity in the areas of your brain that control attention and help you take action. They also increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which transmit messages between brain cells.
There are short-acting stimulants that require taking 2-3 times a day, and longer-acting ones that can be taken once a day. Your doctor and you will determine the best stimulant to use based on your preferences, whether you can take pills or not, as well as the cost.
The most popular ADHD drugs are methylphenidates or amphetamines. Both have a long record of safe use in children, and studies have shown that they can be just as effective for adults. They can be taken in the form of liquids, capsules, or tablets. The effects usually start within an hour. They are a well-tolerated drug and can be used both for short-term or long-term treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine, also known as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the noradrenaline uptake. This means that it increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This helps to increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior, however it can cause more serious adverse effects than methylphenidates or lisdexamfetamine. It is available as a daily tablet, however, it is also available in a modified-release form that can be taken only once a day.
most effective adhd medication for adults is a mixture of dexamphetamine with methylphenidate. It is broken down in the body to release its effects over a period of time. NICE suggests that it be used as a first line drug treatment for adults. Your GP can change you to it following a six-week methylphenidate trial.
In general, doctors are more willing to prescribe unlicensed drugs for older individuals, and most will give you a variety of alternatives. They may be cheaper but they haven't been thoroughly tested and therefore are not 'off licence'. This does not mean they aren't safe however it does mean that you will need to pay for them through private psychiatrists and the NHS will not cover them.
It's wonderful that more people are aware of ADHD however, this must be accompanied by an increase in spending on services that help adults with the disorder. We risk creating a generation of people who struggle at school, at work, and in their relationships if we don't take action. If managing adhd without medication don't receive help from education, housing as well as healthcare services may end up with mental health issues that could cause unemployment, homelessness or crime, addiction to drugs, and health-related problems.
GPs are trained to assess whether a person has ADHD and may refer them to specialist clinics. They will ask you about your symptoms and then conduct a series of tests to rule out other disorders. Clinics like these have specialists in anxiety, depression, Tourettes, autism, and phobias. They will prescribe the appropriate treatment for your specific situation.