Adult ADHD Medication UK
The use of medication can reduce the symptoms of ADHD however they are not the only solution. People suffering from ADHD often benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle changes.
The effects of stimulants increase the quantity of certain chemicals in your brain that allow brain cells to communicate. Initially, your psychiatrist will prescribe you a medicine and then gradually adjust the dose to discover the right balance for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-known of all ADHD medications and are likely to be first prescribed to those who require them. They boost the activity of the regions of your brain that control attention and aid in taking actions. They also boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that pass messages between your brain cells.
There are stimulants that have effects that are short-acting, and need to be taken two or three times daily, and other which have a longer-lasting effect that can be taken just once a week. Your doctor and you will decide which one is best for you according to the time you like taking it, whether you can swallow pills or not and cost.
The most common ADHD drugs are methylphenidates or amphetamines. Both have a long record of being used safely in children, and research has shown that they can be as effective for adults. They are available in the form of capsules, liquids or tablets. The effects usually start within an hour. They are well-tolerated and can be used both for long-term and short-term treatment. adhd medications include sleep issues, headaches, and loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline uptake. This means that it boosts the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulse-driven behavior, but it can cause more serious side-effects than methylphenidates and lisdexamfetamine. It is available as a daily tablet or a modified release form that can only be taken one time every day.
Lisdexamfetamine, a combination of dexamphetamine (methylphenidate) and methylphenidate (methylphenidate) is broken into smaller pieces by the body and produces its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment for adults and suggests that you could switch to it if your GP offers you a 6-week trial of methylphenidate.
Doctors tend to prescribe unlicensed medications for adults than younger patients, and they'll often provide alternatives. These are usually cheaper, but they may not have been fully tested so are 'off license'. It does not mean they aren't safe. However, you'll have to pay through a private psychiatrist to access them. The NHS is unlikely to cover them.
It's great that more people are aware of ADHD, but this must be accompanied by an increase in investments in services to assist adults suffering from the condition. We risk creating a generation of people who will struggle at school, at work, and in their relationships if we do not act. Those who do not receive assistance from housing, education, healthcare, and other services may end up with mental issues that can cause homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, crime and health-related issues.
GPs are trained to diagnose ADHD and send patients to specialist clinics. They will inquire about your symptoms, and then conduct a series of tests to rule out other illnesses. These clinics have experts in the field of depression, anxiety, Tourettes, autism, and fears. They will prescribe the appropriate medication for your particular situation.