Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medications can help reduce symptoms of ADHD however they are not a cure. People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from talk therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
The effects of stimulants increase the quantity of certain chemicals in your brain, which allow your brain cells to communicate. Your doctor will initially prescribe a medication, and then gradually adjust its dose to find the best balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants have been around for the longest in ADHD medication, and they are likely to be given first to those who need them. They help by increasing the activity in parts of your brain that regulate attention and help to take actions. They also increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which transmit messages between brain cells.
There are short-acting stimulants which need to be taken 2 or 3 times a day, and longer-acting ones that can be taken once per day. Your doctor and you will decide the best stimulant to use according to your personal preferences, whether you are able to take pills or not, and the cost.
Methylphenidates and amphetamines are the most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs. Both have a long record of use that is safe for children, and research has shown that they can be as effective for adults. They can be taken in the form of tablets or liquids, and generally start to have effects within a matter of hours. They are well-tolerated and can be used both for short-term and long-term treatments. The main side effects are sleep issues, headaches, and loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine is also known as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means it increases noradrenaline levels in the brain. It can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior, but it could cause more serious adverse effects than methylphenidates and lisdexamfetamine. It is available as daily tablets or in an altered release form that can only be taken one time every day.
adhd uk medication is a mixture of dexamphetamine (methylphenidate) and methylphenidate (methylphenidate), is broken into pieces by the body, and has its effects over a period of time, which can last for several hours. NICE recommends it be used as a primary treatment for adults. Your GP may recommend switching you to it after a six-week methylphenidate trial.
In general, doctors are more willing to prescribe unlicensed medications for adults than younger people, and a lot of doctors will give you a variety of choices. These are usually cheaper, but they may not have been tested thoroughly and therefore are considered to be off license. This does not mean they are unsafe, but it does mean that you need to pay for them through an individual psychiatrist and the NHS is not likely to cover them.
The increased awareness of ADHD is good but it needs to be accompanied by an increase in spending on services for adults with the condition. We are at risk of creating a generation of people who will struggle at school, at work, and in their relationships if we don't act. Those who are not helped by housing, education or healthcare as well as other support services could end up with mental health issues that lead to unemployment, homelessness, substance misuse, criminality, debt and health-related problems for their families.
GPs are trained to identify whether a person has ADHD and may refer them to specialist clinics. They will usually ask you about your symptoms and run a series of tests to rule out other conditions that might be the cause. Clinics like these have specialists in the field of depression, anxiety, Tourettes, autism, and anxiety disorders. They can prescribe the right medication to treat your specific condition.