15 Things You've Never Known About ADHD Medication Adults UK
ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of stimulants as well as other medications. Stimulants balance and boost levels of brain chemicals that regulate attention and the ability to focus.
how to get adhd medication uk are controlled substances only a specialist ADHD physician can prescribe these medications. Your GP can't. They are usually prescribed for a period of six weeks prior to changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
Adults suffering from ADHD are mostly treated by medications. The range of drugs available is now much wider than it was before ADHD was first recognized as a disorder. In the UK, like many countries in Europe and America there are a number of different options available to psychiatrists treating ADHD.
As a primary line of treatment, stimulants are prescribed. These drugs increase the activity of certain regions of the brain that regulate motivation, attention, and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They can be taken as short or long-acting tablets, referred to as modified or immediate release, and they are generally effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD very quickly.
The two most common stimulants are methylphenidate, called Ritalin amphetamines salts (Adderall). These can be taken in extended or immediate release tablets, and the type of tablet you take will depend on your preference and the degree of your symptoms. These are 'controlled drugs', meaning that you can only purchase them on prescription from a psychiatrist and they'll need to be closely monitored.
There are other medications that can be prescribed for adults suffering from ADHD such as guanfacine and lisdexamfetamine (branded names Vyvanse and Concerta respectively). These drugs affect different regions of the brain to enhance concentration and improve focus and also aid in reducing blood pressure. In general, these are less likely to cause side effects than the methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, and so could be better suited for people who experience these.
Other medications include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety drugs, however these are usually only considered as a second-line option or for people who have difficulty overcoming the symptoms by taking stimulants or other drugs. Psychiatrists also recommend therapy in conjunction with medication because it is impossible to change negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long time by taking medications.
It is vital to remember that taking medication for ADHD is a completely individual decision and no doctor should ever try to force the patient to do it. There are serious side effects, and an experienced psychiatrist will adjust the doses on an individual basis to ensure that they are safe for each individual. The right balance between therapy and medication can enhance your life quality. But, it's essential to speak with a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be severe and disruptive in multiple domains of daily life in order to be eligible for a referral to a specialist for diagnosis and assessment. This includes school, home as well as social and work. Talk to your GP if you or your child believes they may have ADHD. Ask for an appointment.
TB declares advisory or consulting roles with Actelion Hexal Pharma Lilly, Medice Novartis Otsuka PCM Scientific, Hogrefe Kohlhammer, Medice Oxford Outcomes; speaker's fees or conference support from Medice; royalties and grants from Shire. DC declares personal expenses from Shire and Viforpharma, grants from Oxford University Press and Servier and research collaborations with Medice Otsuka, Medice and Novartis.