Adult ADHD Medication UK
The medications can reduce the symptoms but they don't cure ADHD. People with ADHD typically benefit from talk therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals in your brain, which allow brain cells to communicate. Your doctor will first prescribe the medication, and gradually alter the dosage to find your best balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants have been around the longest in ADHD medication, and they are likely to be prescribed first to those who require them. They boost activity in the parts of your brain that regulate attention and aid in taking action. They also increase levels of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which pass messages between brain cells.
There are short-acting stimulants that need to be taken 2-3 times a day, and long-acting ones which can be taken just once a day. adhd medications and you will determine the best stimulant for you according to your personal preferences, whether you can take pills or not, and cost.
Methylphenidates and amphetamines are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. Both have a long tradition of being safely used in children. Research shows that they are equally effective for adults. They can be taken as tablets or liquids, and generally start to have an effect within one hour. They are well tolerated and can be used for short-term and long-term treatments. The most common adverse effects include headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine (also known as Vyvanse) is a selective inhibitor of the reuptake of noradrenaline, meaning that it increases the amount of a chemical in your brain known as noradrenaline. This helps increase concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour, but it could cause more serious adverse effects than methylphenidates or lisdexamfetamine. It is available as a daily tablet or a modified release form that can only be taken one time per day.
Lisdexamfetamine, a combination of dexamphetamine (methylphenidate) and methylphenidate (methylphenidate) is broken down by the body and has its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment for adults. They suggest that you could be switched to it in the event that your GP gives you a six-week trial of methylphenidate.
In general doctors are more inclined to prescribe unlicensed medications for adults than younger people, and a lot of doctors will offer you a choice of choices. They may be cheaper however they aren't fully tested and are therefore "off licence". It does not mean they are unsafe. However, you'll need to pay an individual psychiatrist to obtain them. The NHS is unlikely cover them.
It's great that more people are aware of ADHD however, this must be matched with increased investment in services to help people suffering from the condition. Otherwise, we could create a generation that will struggle to be successful in school, in jobs and in relationships. Those who do not receive assistance from housing, education or healthcare services could end up suffering from mental issues that can result in homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, crime, and health-related problems.
GPs have been trained to identify ADHD and refer patients to specialist clinics. They will usually ask you about your symptoms and then run a series of tests to rule out other conditions that might be the cause. Clinics like these have specialists in depression, anxiety, Tourettes, autism, and anxiety disorders. They will prescribe the appropriate treatment for your specific condition.