Adult ADHD Medication UK
Medical treatments can help ease symptoms of ADHD but they're not an effective cure. People suffering from ADHD often benefit from talking therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
The effects of stimulants increase the quantity of certain chemicals in your brain, which enable your brain cells to communicate. Your doctor will initially prescribe a medication, and then gradually adjust its dose to find the right balance.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the oldest of all ADHD drugs and are most likely to be initially prescribed to patients who need them. They increase the activity in areas of your brain that control attention and assist in taking actions. They also boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that pass messages between brain cells.
There are short-acting stimulants which require taking 2 or 3 times a day, and long-acting ones that can be taken one time per day. Your doctor and you will decide which one is best for you based on when you prefer taking it, whether you are able to take pills in pill form or not, and the cost.
The most common ADHD drugs are methylphenidates or amphetamines. Both have a long record of being used safely in children, and research has shown that they can be as effective for adults. They can be taken in the form of capsules, liquids, or tablets. The effects typically start within an hour. They are suitable for both short and long-term treatment and are well-tolerated with the main adverse effects being loss of appetite, headaches, and sleep problems.
Atomoxetine, also known as Vyvanse, is a selective inhibitor of the uptake of noradrenaline. This means that it increases noradrenaline levels in the brain. This can help increase concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour, but it can cause more serious adverse effects than lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidates. It can be taken as a daily tablet, however, it is also available in a modified release form that can be taken only once per day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a mixture of dexamphetamine with methylphenidate. It is broken down in the body to create its effects over the course of several hours. NICE recommends it as a first-line drug treatment for adults. It suggests you could be switched to it in the event that your GP offers you a 6-week trial of methylphenidate.
In add adhd medications are more inclined to prescribe unlicensed drugs for adults than for younger people, and many will provide you with a range of options. They may be cheaper however they aren't fully tested and therefore are not "off licence". This doesn't mean they aren't safe, but it does mean that you have to pay for them through a private psychiatrist and that the NHS will not cover these.
The increased awareness of ADHD is good but it needs to be accompanied by an increase in spending on services for adults suffering from the condition. We are at risk of creating a generation of people who struggle at school, work and in their relationships if we do not act. If they aren't supported by education, housing or healthcare as well as other support services could end up with mental health issues that cause unemployment, homelessness, drug misuse, criminality, debt and health-related problems for their families.
GPs are trained to identify the presence of ADHD and refer them to specialist clinics. They will usually ask you about your symptoms and perform a series tests to rule out other conditions that might be the cause. Clinics like these have specialists in depression, anxiety, Tourettes, autism, and phobias. They will prescribe the appropriate medication for your particular situation.