ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK

There are two kinds: stimulants and other medications. Stimulants boost and balance levels of chemicals in the brain which regulate the ability to focus and impulsivity.

Adult medications for ADHD are controlled substances and can only be prescribed by an expert ADHD doctor, not your GP. They are typically prescribed in a six-week test before changing or increasing the dosage.

Stimulants

The main treatment is medication for adults with ADHD and the selection of drugs is far larger than when it was first recognized as a disorder. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists are able to treat ADHD with a variety of options.

As a primary line of treatment it is recommended to take stimulants. These drugs boost the activity of parts of the brain that regulate attention, motivation and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They can be taken in short or long acting tablets, known as modified or immediate release, and they are generally effective at managing the symptoms of ADHD very quickly.

The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate, called Ritalin, and amphetamines salts (Adderall). They are available in extended or immediate release tablets, and the kind of tablet you use will depend on your preferences and the severity of your symptoms. These are controlled drugs that means they are only available through prescription and have to be monitored closely.

Other medications are also prescribed to treat adult ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. They work on different areas of the brain to increase attention and make focusing easier, and they can also aid in reducing blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate and amphetamine to trigger side effects, and t here fore they could be better for those who suffer from them.

Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and other medications are available. However, they are only recommended when stimulants or another medication has not given relief. Psychologists also recommend therapy combination with medication, since it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time with medications.

It is vital to keep in mind that taking medication for ADHD is always a individual choice, and no psychiatrist should ever try to force the patient to do it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust the dosage to meet the needs of each patient to avoid negative side effects. A proper balance between medication and therapy can enhance your quality of life. However, it's essential to speak with an experienced psychiatrist prior to starting any medication.

ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in multiple aspects of everyday life to warrant referral to an assessment clinic for diagnosis. This includes school, home and work, as well as social life. Talk with your GP If you or your child suspects they may have ADHD. Request a referral.

TB declares consulting or advisory roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice; royalties and grants from Shire. DC declares personal costs and grants from Shire, Viforpharma and Oxford University Press, and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, and Novartis.
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