Adult ADHD Medication
If environmental modifications are not enough to help you succeed in school or at work You may be able to benefit from medications. 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 commonly prescribed ADHD medication. They are the first choice until you have a different condition that requires different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control the behavior and attention. They help improve concentration, help focus the mind and reduce impulse behaviour. They are also referred to as amphetamines or psychostimulants and are legal to take with prescription as ADHD medication. However, they are frequently used recreationally as illegal substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
The most widely used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you may have heard of under the brand name Ritalin. It boosts activity in the areas of the brain that regulate behaviour and attention which aids in improving concentration and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. It is available in the form of immediate-release tablets, taken 2 or 3 times per day or modified-release capsules that release the medication over the course of the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medication that stimulates specific areas of the brain to improve concentration, aids in focusing the mind and decrease impulse-driven behavior. If methylphenidate fails to work it is typically prescribed to teenagers, adults and children older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given in tablets with immediate release that are that are taken twice or three times a day. Atomoxetine is a distinct medication than the other ones and is recommended to teenagers, adults and children (age 5and over) who are unable to take methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine because of the adverse effects. It is a selective noradrenaline 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 daily in the form of a tablet, or as an oral solution.
Numerous randomized controlled trials as also observational studies have been conducted to determine the benefits and dangers that are associated with treatment for adult adhd. These studies have compared various medications with placebos or each other however, not all of them have included head-to-head studies. This study combines the findings of those trials by using a technique known as network meta-analysis. It is the largest such study of its kind for ADHD and provides evidence for NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication to treat adult ADHD.
The research suggests that a significant proportion of people with ADHD can benefit from medication. iampsychiatry.uk is crucial to consider the benefits and risks prior to taking any medication. Discuss the matter with your physician and, if needed, take steps to manage symptoms with other treatments, such as therapy or lifestyle changes. It is also important to recognize any medical condition that could cause or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy, thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. A thorough history and examination is essential in determining possible causes for the symptoms. Patients with a history of serious drug or alcohol abuse should be treated with care. Referral to a specialist may be required. Patients who have a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health problems must be assessed more thoroughly and recommended for special evaluations and tests as necessary. This could include a thorough family history as genetic factors have been identified to play a part in ADHD.