ADHD Medication For Adults UK
NHS data indicate that the number of adults getting ADHD medication has increased by three times in recent years. This is only a small proportion of those diagnosed with the condition.
Stimulants speed up brain activity by boosting levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline which transmit messages between nerves. They also boost blood flow to the brain.
Stimulants
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you may need to take medication. In the UK, this is the standard first line of treatment. However, talk therapy (psychotherapy), is also highly recommended. Talk therapy can help you and your family make sense of your behavior and challenges and also helps you develop coping strategies that are healthy and effective.
Stimulants alter the quantity of neurotransmitters that send messages between nerves in the brain such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. There are several stimulant medications available on the NHS and methylphenidate (Ritalin) or the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are the most popular choices. These drugs are fast-acting and typically take 45 to 60 minutes to begin working.
These medications have been around for quite a while and are highly efficient, however there are some who don't respond well to them. In fact, they can cause agitation and insomnia in some people. This is why it's important to discuss any adverse effects with your GP and choose a medication that is suitable for your needs.
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that work differently and produce less side negative effects. Atomoxetine is also referred to as Strateva is one of these medicines. It is a drug that increases the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. This neurotransmitter transmits messages from nerve to nerve. They are used when stimulants aren't working or are too much for the body. adhd medication pregnancy may also be prescribed off label' when they are thought to help with ADHD symptoms in certain people, like those who suffer from comorbid depression or anxiety.
If adhd medication pregnancy decides to take medication, they will talk about the pros and cons of taking the medication for a long amount of time with you. They will also explain the best way to use the medication and to monitor your progress and dosage. This will mean you'll need to attend fortnightly, and then monthly appointments with your psychiatrist.
The use of medication is not the only way to treat ADHD but they are the most widely used and are recommended by Nice in their latest guidance for adults with the condition. Psychosocial therapies are also available that can assist you and your family members cope with your ADHD symptoms, but these aren't typically offered by the NHS unless you are already receiving them as part of an assessment and management program.
It's important to keep in mind that there isn't a cure for ADHD, but that the right medication can ease your symptoms and help you to live in a society that isn't set up to accommodate neurodiversity. In the end, it's your choice to use ADHD medications, and your psychiatrist should not pressure you in one way or the other. Many people opt to pursue therapy instead and find that it's sufficient to deal with their ADHD symptoms. However, if adhd treatment medication do decide to take medication, it should be done under the guidance of a qualified specialist psychiatrist who understands the advantages and risks involved. The psychiatrist will be able to assist you and your family develop strategies for coping that will help you manage any remaining symptoms and avoid problems in the future.