Adult ADHD Medication
If changes to the environment aren't enough to help you succeed at school or work, you may be able to benefit from medication. They are either short or long-acting, and include the family of methylphenidates (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most frequently ADHD medication prescribed. They are offered first unless you have another condition that requires different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They aid in improving concentration, focus and focus and decrease impulse-driven behaviour. They are able to be prescribed legally as ADHD medication. However, they are commonly abused recreationally as illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
adhd medication uk used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you might have heard of under the brand name Ritalin. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which helps increase concentration and decreases the impulsive and hyperactive behavior. It is available in the form of tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three time a day or modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medicine that stimulates certain parts of the brain. It improves concentration, help focus the mind and reduces the risk of impulsive behavior. If methylphenidate doesn't work it is usually prescribed to adults, teens and children who are older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given as immediate-release tablets taken 2 or 3 a day. Atomoxetine is different from the other medications listed that are listed above and is available to teens, adults, and children (aged 5plus) who are not able to take the methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to adverse effects or other causes. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline that is present in the brain, transferring messages between brain cells to improve concentration and impulse control. It is taken as a tablet or oral solution every day.
A vast number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies studied the benefits and risks of the treatment for adults adhd. These studies have compared different medications with placebos or one another however, not all of them have included head-to-head trials. This study combines results from these trials using a method called network meta-analysis. It is the largest such analysis for ADHD and provides evidence in NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
The results show that a significant percentage of people with ADHD are able to benefit from taking medication. But it is important to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of taking it. It is recommended to discuss this with a doctor and, if necessary, take steps to manage the symptoms of the condition using other methods, including therapies and lifestyle adjustments. It is essential to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy that may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. A thorough history and examination are essential to determine possible causes for the symptoms. Patients who have a history of serious drug or alcohol abuse should be treated very carefully. They may require referral to a specialist. Patients with histories of developmental disorders or other serious mental health problems need to be assessed more thoroughly and referred to special tests and evaluations if necessary. This may include a more thorough history of the family history of the patient as genetic factors are known to play a part in ADHD.