Adult ADHD Medication UK
The medications can ease the symptoms, but they do not cure ADHD. Talking therapy and lifestyle changes are usually beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants boost the amount of certain chemicals in your brain, which allow your brain cells to communicate. Initially, your psychiatrist will prescribe a medication and then gradually adjust the dosage to find the best balance for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants have been around for the longest in ADHD medication, and they are likely to be offered first to those who require them. They work by increasing activity in the parts of your brain that control attention and aid in taking actions. They also boost levels of chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine that pass messages between brain cells.
There are stimulants with a short-acting effect that must be taken twice or three times daily, and others with a longer duration of action that can be taken just once a week. Your doctor and you will determine the best stimulant to use depending 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 use that is safe for children, and research has shown that they are just as effective for adults. They can be taken in the form of capsules, liquids or tablets. The effects usually start within an hour. They are a well-tolerated drug and can be used both for short-term and long-term treatments. The most frequent side effects are headaches, sleep problems, and a loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine is also known as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means that it increases noradrenaline levels in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, however it could cause more serious side consequences than lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidates. It can be taken as a daily tablet, however, it is also available in a modified-release form that can be taken just once a day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a mix of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine and is broken down in the body to release its effects over the course of several hours. NICE suggests that it be used as a first line treatment for adults. Your GP can change you to it after an methylphenidate trial of six weeks.
In general doctors are more likely to prescribe unlicensed drugs for adults than younger individuals, and most will provide you with a range of choices. They might be less expensive, however they aren't fully tested and are therefore 'off licence'. This does not mean that they aren't safe however it does mean that you will need to pay for them through an individual psychiatrist and the NHS will not pay for these.
Awareness of ADHD is great but it needs to be matched by increased investment in services for adults with the condition. Otherwise, we could create generations that struggle to cope at school, in jobs and in relationships. People who aren't helped by education, housing or healthcare as well as other support services may end up with mental health issues that can lead to unemployment, homelessness, drug misuse, crime, debt and health-related problems for their families.
GPs are trained to recognize ADHD and send patients to specialist clinics. adhd anxiety medication ask you about your symptoms and conduct a series of tests to rule out any other conditions that could be causing the problem. These clinics have experts in the field of depression, anxiety, Tourettes, autism, and phobias. They will prescribe the appropriate medication to treat your specific situation.