Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medical treatments can help ease the symptoms of ADHD however they're not the only solution. People suffering from ADHD typically benefit from talk therapy and lifestyle changes.
Stimulants increase your brain's amount of certain chemicals which allow your cells to communicate. Your doctor will initially prescribe the medication, and gradually alter the dosage to find the right balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the oldest of all ADHD medications and are likely to be first prescribed to those who require them. They increase the activity in parts of your brain that control attention and assist in taking action. They also boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that pass messages between your brain cells.
There are short-acting stimulants which need to be taken 2-3 times a day, and long-acting ones which can be taken just once per day. Your doctor and you will decide the best stimulant for you depending on your preferences, whether you are able to take pills or not, and cost.
Methylphenidates and amphetamines are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. Both drugs have a long-standing tradition of being safely used in children. Studies have shown that they are equally effective for adults. They can be consumed as tablets or capsules, or as liquids and generally start to have an effect within one hour. They are suitable for both short - and long-term treatments and are very well tolerated, with the main adverse effects being loss of appetite, headaches, and sleep issues.
Atomoxetine (also also known as Vyvanse) is a selective inhibitor of the reuptake of noradrenaline which means it increases the amount of a chemical in your brain that is known as noradrenaline. This helps increase concentration and decrease impulsive behaviour, but it could cause more serious adverse effects than methylphenidates or lisdexamfetamine. It is available as a daily tablet however, it is also available in a modified-release version that can be taken once a day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a combination of dexamphetamine and methylphenidate. It is broken down in the body to produce its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends it as a first-line treatment for adults and suggests that you can be switched to it when your GP offers you a six-week trial of methylphenidate.
non prescription adhd medication uk tend to prescribe unlicensed medication for adults as opposed to younger patients, and will often provide alternatives. They might be less expensive, but they haven't been thoroughly tested and therefore are not "off licence". This doesn't mean they aren't safe however it does mean that you need to pay for them through private psychiatrists and the NHS is not likely to pay for these.
Increased awareness of ADHD is a good thing but it needs to be matched by increased investment in services for adults with the condition. We are at risk of creating a generation of people who will struggle in school, at work and in their relationships if we don't act. Those who do not receive support from housing, education or healthcare services could develop mental issues that can lead to homelessness, unemployment or crime, addiction to drugs and health-related issues.
GPs are trained to assess the presence of ADHD and may refer patients to specialist clinics. They usually ask you about your symptoms and then run a series of tests to rule out other conditions that might be the cause. Clinics will have specialists in areas such as depression and anxiety, phobias, Tourettes and autism, in addition to ADHD, and they can prescribe the right treatment for your specific situation.