Adult ADHD Medication UK

The use of medication can reduce symptoms of ADHD but they’re not the only solution. People with ADHD usually benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle modifications.

Stimulants boost the amount of certain chemicals in your brain, which allow your brain cells to communicate. Initially, your doctor will prescribe a medication and then gradually adjust the dose to determine the most effective balance for you.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the most well-known of all ADHD drugs and are most likely to be initially prescribed to patients who need them. They boost activity in the areas of your brain that control attention and help you take actions. They also increase levels of chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine which transmit messages between your brain cells.

There are short-acting stimulants which must be taken 2-3 times a day, and long-acting stimulants which can be taken just once per day. You and your doctor will determine which one is the best for you, depending on the time you prefer taking it, if you can swallow pills or not, as well as the cost.

The most popular ADHD medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines. Both have a long history of being used safely in children, and research shows that they can be just as effective for adults. They are available in the form of liquids, capsules or tablets. The effects typically begin within an hour. They are suitable for both short-term and long-term treatment. They are well-tolerated with the main side effects being loss of appetite, headaches, and sleep problems.

Atomoxetine, also known as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means it increases noradrenaline levels in the brain. This helps to increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, however it can cause more serious side effects than lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidates. It can be taken as a daily tablet but is also available in a modified-release form that can be taken once per day.

Lisdexamfetamine, a combination of dexamphetamine (methylphenidate) and methylphenidate (methylphenidate), is broken into pieces by the body, and produces its effects over the course of time that can be several hours. NICE suggests that it be used as a first line drug treatment for adults. Your GP may recommend switching you to it following a six-week methylphenidate trial.

In general doctors are more likely to prescribe non-licensed medicines for adults than for younger people, and a lot of doctors will give you a variety of choices. adhd without medication may be cheaper but have not been fully tested and therefore are not “off licence”. This does not mean that they aren’t safe, but it does mean that you need to pay for them through a private psychiatrist and that the NHS will not cover them.

The increased awareness of ADHD is great, but it must be accompanied by a greater spending on services for adults with the condition. Otherwise, we risk creating generations that struggle to manage at school, in jobs and in relationships. Those who do not receive assistance from education, housing, healthcare, and other services may end up with mental disorders that can cause homelessness, unemployment or crime, addiction to drugs, and health-related problems.

GPs are trained to identify whether a patient has ADHD and refer them to specialist clinics. They usually ask you about your symptoms and conduct a series of tests to rule out any other conditions that might be the cause. Clinics like these have specialists in anxiety, depression, Tourettes, autism, and fears. They can prescribe the right medication to treat your specific situation.