Adult ADHD Medication
If the changes to your environment aren't enough to allow you to succeed in school or at work, you may benefit from medication. They are either short or long acting, and include the family of methylphenidates (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed. adhd without medication are offered first until you have a different condition that requires different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing activity in parts of the brain responsible for the behaviour and attention. They increase concentration, to focus the mind and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. They are also referred to as amphetamines or psychostimulants and are legal to take with the prescription of ADHD medication. They are also used as illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine in order to boost energy levels and feel of wellbeing.
The most widely used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you may have heard of by the brand name Ritalin. It enhances the activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and behavior, which helps to improve concentration and reduce excessive and impulsive behavior. It is available in the form of tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three times per day or modified-release capsules that release the medicine over the course of the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain, which enhances concentration and aids in focusing the mind. It also reduces the impulsive behavior. It is typically prescribed to adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 in the event that methylphenidate doesn't help. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in two or three doses a day. Atomoxetine is a different medicine from the rest and is recommended to teenagers, adults and children (age 5+) who are not able to take methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount of noradrenaline which transmits messages between brain cells and improves the concentration and control of impulses. It is taken in the form of a tablet or oral solution once a day.
Numerous randomized controlled trials as and observational studies have been conducted to study the advantages and risks that are associated with treatment for adult adhd. These studies have compared various medications with placebos or one another, but not all have included head-tohead trials. This study blends the results of those trials using a method called network meta-analysis. This is the most comprehensive study of ADHD to date, and it strengthens NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication for adults suffering from ADHD.
The results show that a large percentage of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from taking medication. However, it is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of taking it. Discuss the matter with your physician and, if needed implement measures to treat symptoms with other treatments such as therapy or lifestyle modifications. It is essential to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy that may cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. To determine the causes that could be causing symptoms, a thorough medical history and examination is essential. Patients who have a history extreme alcohol or drug abuse should be treated with extreme caution. They may require referral to a specialist. Patients with histories of developmental disorders or other serious mental health problems must be assessed more thoroughly and referred for special evaluations and tests as required. This could include a more thorough history of the family history of the patient because genetic factors are believed to play a part in ADHD.