ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants increase and balance levels of brain chemicals that control attention and the ability to focus.
Adult ADHD medications are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD clinician can prescribe these medications. Your GP is not able to prescribe them. They are usually prescribed as a six-week trial before making a change or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are primarily treated with medications. The selection of drugs is now much wider than when ADHD was first recognized as an illness. In the UK and other countries in Europe, psychiatrists can treat ADHD by offering a wide range of options.
As a first line of treatment the doctor prescribes stimulants. These drugs boost the activity in parts of the brain that control attention, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets, also known as immediate release or modified release. They are effective in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most frequently used stimulants are methylphenidate (better known as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts (Adderall). adhd medication are available in immediate release or extended release, according to your preference and severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs', meaning that you can only get them with a prescription from a psychiatrist, and they will need to be closely monitored.
Other medications are also prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include the guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs affect various parts in the brain to improve concentration and attention. They also can lower blood pressure. In general, they are less likely to cause adverse effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts and might be more appropriate for people who experience these.
Other medications include antidepressants as well as a variety of anti-anxiety medication, but these are usually considered as a second-line alternative or for those who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms by taking stimulants or other medications. Psychiatrists also recommend therapy in conjunction with medication, as it is impossible to change negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long time with medication.
It is crucial to remember that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual choice. There is no reason for a psychiatrist to make anyone take it. Medication can have serious side effects and specialists will adjust the doses on an individual basis to ensure they are safe for each individual. Finding the right balance of treatment and medication can dramatically improve your life quality, but it is essential to consult an expert psychiatrist to get a clear diagnosis prior to beginning treatment with any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe and disruptive in all aspects of daily life to qualify for a clinical referral for diagnosis and assessment. This includes school, work and social life. Talk to your GP if you or your child thinks they may be suffering from ADHD. Request an appointment.
TB declares advisory or consulting roles with Actelion, Hexal Pharma, Lilly, Medice, Novartis, Otsuka and PCM Scientific; conference support or speaker's fees from Medice, Oxford Outcomes, Otsuka and Shire royalties from Hogrefe and Kohlhammer; grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal expenses and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press, and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.