Adult ADHD Medication UK
The medications can reduce the symptoms however they cannot cure ADHD. People with ADHD often benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants increase your brain's amount of certain chemicals that enable your cells to communicate. Initially, your doctor will prescribe you a medication and then gradually adjust the dose to find the best balance for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-known of all ADHD medications and are likely to be prescribed first to those who need them. They increase the activity in areas of your brain that control attention and assist in taking action. They also increase levels of certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which pass messages between brain cells.
There are stimulants with short-acting effects that must be taken 2-3 times a day, and longer-acting ones that can be taken once a day. You and your doctor will determine which one is best for you, based on when you prefer taking it, if you can take pills in pill form or not, and the cost.
The most common ADHD medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines. Both drugs have a long-standing tradition of being safely used for children. Studies show that they are equally effective for adults. They can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules or liquids and generally start to have an effect within one hour. They are a well-tolerated drug and can be used for short-term and long-term treatments. The main side effects include headaches, sleep problems, and a loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means it increases noradrenaline levels in the brain. This can help increase concentration and decrease impulse-driven behavior, but it can cause more serious adverse effects than methylphenidates or lisdexamfetamine. It is available as daily tablets or in an altered release form that is only taken once every day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a mixture of dexamphetamine (methylphenidate) and methylphenidate (methylphenidate), is broken into pieces by the body, and has its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends that it be used as a first line drug treatment for adults. Your GP may recommend switching you to it following a six-week methylphenidate trial.
Doctors are more likely to prescribe unlicensed medication for adults than younger patients, and will often suggest alternatives. They may be cheaper but they haven't been thoroughly tested and therefore are not 'off licence'. However, that doesn't mean they are unsafe. However, you'll need to pay an individual psychiatrist to obtain them. The NHS is unlikely to cover them.
The increased awareness of ADHD is good however, it must be accompanied by an increase in spending on services for adults with the condition. Otherwise, we risk creating a generation that will struggle to be successful in school, in work and in relationships. Those who are not helped by housing, education healthcare, and other support services may end up suffering from mental health issues that can lead to unemployment, homelessness, substance misuse, crime, debt and health-related problems for their families.
GPs are trained to recognize ADHD and send patients to specialist clinics. They'll usually inquire about your symptoms, and then perform a series tests to rule out any other conditions that could be causing the problem. non stimulant adhd medication will have experts in areas like depression and anxiety and phobias Tourettes and autism, in addition to ADHD and ADHD, and they'll give you the right medication for your specific needs.