Adult ADHD Medication

If changes to the environment aren't enough to help you succeed in school or at work You may be able to benefit from medications. 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 medications prescribed. If you do not have another condition that needs the use of a different medication, stimulants are typically prescribed first.

Stimulants

Stimulants help by boosting activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They help improve concentration, help focus the mind and decrease impulse-driven behaviour. They can be legally prescribed as ADHD medication. However, they are frequently used recreationally as illegal substances like methamphetamines and copyright to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.

The most commonly used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you may have heard of under the brand name Ritalin. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which helps improves concentration and reduces the impulsive and hyperactive behavior. It can be taken in the form of immediate-release tablets that are taken 2 or 3 times a day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medication throughout the day.

Lisdexamfetamine is another medicine that stimulates specific areas of the brain to increase concentration, help focus the mind and reduces impulsive behaviour. It is typically prescribed to teenagers, adults and children above 5 years old if methylphenidate does not help. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given as immediate-release tablets which are taken two or three times per day. Atomoxetine is a different website medicine than the other ones and is prescribed to teenagers, adults and children (age 5and over) that cannot take methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine because of the adverse effects. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline that is present in the brain, which passes messages between brain cells to enhance concentration and control of impulses. It is consumed as a tablet or an oral solution once a day.

A number of random controlled trials and observational studies have looked at the advantages and disadvantages of treatment for adults with adhd. These studies compared different medicines with placebos or one another but not all included head-to-head trials. This study combines the results of these trials using a method known as a network meta-analysis. This is the biggest study of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication for adults with ADHD.

The results show that a large percentage of people with ADHD are able to benefit from a medication. But it is important to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of taking it. Discuss this with your doctor and, if needed, take steps to manage symptoms by using other treatments, such as treatment or lifestyle changes. It is essential to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy which can trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough history and examination are crucial in assessing for possible causes for the symptoms. Patients who have a history of excessive alcohol or drug use should be treated with extreme caution. They may need referral to a specialist service. Patients who have had a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health problems need to be assessed more thoroughly and recommended for special tests and evaluations if necessary. This can include a detailed family history as genetic factors have been proven to be involved in ADHD.