Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medical treatments can help ease symptoms of ADHD however they're not a cure. People suffering from ADHD usually benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Stimulants increase the amount of certain chemicals in your brain that allow your brain cells to communicate. Your doctor will first prescribe a medication, and then gradually adjust its dose to find the best balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-known of all ADHD drugs and are most likely to be first prescribed to those who require them. They boost the activity of the regions of your brain that control attention and assist you in taking actions. They also increase levels of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals pass messages between brain cells.
There are non prescription adhd medication uk -acting stimulants that require taking at least 2 or 3 times per day, and long-acting stimulants which can be taken just once a day. Your doctor and you will determine the best stimulant to use according to your personal preferences, whether or not you take pills or not, and the cost.
The most common ADHD medications are methylphenidates and amphetamines. Both have a long history of safe use in children, and research shows that they can be as effective for adults. They are available in the form of liquids, capsules or tablets. The effects typically start within an hour. They are well-tolerated and can be used both for long-term and short-term treatment. The most common side effects include headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means it boosts the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This helps to increase concentration and reduce impulse-driven behavior, but it can trigger more serious side consequences than lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidates. It can be taken as a daily tablet but it also comes in a modified-release form that can be taken only once per day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a mix of methylphenidate and dexamphetamine and is broken down in the body to release its effects over a period of time. NICE recommends that it be utilized as a first-line drug treatment for adults. Your GP may recommend switching you to it following a six-week methylphenidate trial.
Doctors are more likely to prescribe unlicensed medication for adults than younger patients, and will often offer you options. These are usually cheaper, but they may not have been thoroughly tested so are 'off license'. This does not mean that they aren't dangerous. However, you'll need to pay an individual psychiatrist to obtain them. The NHS will not likely cover them.
Awareness of ADHD is good however, it must be accompanied by a greater investment in services for adults suffering from the condition. Otherwise, we risk creating a generation that will struggle to cope at school, in work and in relationships. Those who do not receive assistance from education, housing as well as healthcare services could develop mental disorders that can result in unemployment, homelessness, substance abuse, crime, and health-related problems.
GPs are trained to identify whether a person has ADHD and may refer patients to specialist clinics. They'll usually inquire about your symptoms, and then conduct a series of tests to rule out any other conditions that might be the cause. The clinics are staffed by experts in anxiety, depression, Tourettes, autism, and phobias. They can prescribe the right medication for your particular condition.