Adult ADHD Medication
You may need medication if environmental changes do not allow you to succeed at school or work. They are either short or long-acting, and include the family of methylphenidates (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In adhd medication for adults uk , stimulants are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications. They are first prescribed until you have a different condition that requires different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity in parts of the brain responsible for the behaviour and attention. They increase concentration, to concentrate the mind and reduce impulsive behaviour. They are also referred to as amphetamines or psychostimulants and are legal to take with prescription as ADHD medicines. They are also abused as illegal substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine in order to increase energy levels and feelings of well-being.
You might recognize the brand name Ritalin which is the most commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD. It stimulates the brain regions that control attention and behaviour, which helps improve concentration and reduces impulsive and hyperactive behavior. It can be taken in the form of immediate-release tablets, taken 2-3 times a day or modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medication that stimulates certain areas of the brain. It improves concentration, help focus the mind and reduce impulsive behaviour. It is typically offered to teenagers, adults, and children above 5 years old when methylphenidate is not effective. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given as tablets that release immediately, taken 2 or 3 a day. Atomoxetine is a distinct medication than the other ones and is recommended to teenagers, adults and children (age 5+) that cannot take methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount noradrenaline, which sends messages between brain cells and improves the concentration and control of impulses. It is taken once daily in the form of a tablet, or an oral solution.
A number of random controlled trials and observational studies looked at the advantages and disadvantages of drug treatment for adult adhd. These studies compared medicines to placebos or other medications, but not all included head-tohead studies. This study combines results from those trials by employing a method known as network meta-analysis. It is the largest study of its kind for ADHD and provides evidence for NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication to treat adult ADHD.
The findings indicate that a large percentage of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from taking medication. However, it is essential to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of taking the medication. People should talk to a physician about this and, if necessary you can take steps to manage the symptoms of the disorder with other methods, including therapies and lifestyle modifications. It is important to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy that may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. In order to identify the potential causes of symptoms, a thorough medical history and physical examination is required. Patients who have a history of serious drug or alcohol abuse should be treated with care. They may require referral to a specialist service. Patients who have an extensive history of developmental or mental disorders should be evaluated more carefully and referred to specialists for any needed tests and assessments. This can include a more detailed account of the person's family, as genetic factors are known to play a role in ADHD.