Adult ADHD Medication
If the changes to your environment aren't enough to help you succeed in school or at work you could be able to benefit from medication. These are short or long acting, and include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medication prescribed. They are first prescribed unless you have another medical condition that requires a different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that work by increasing activity in parts of the brain that regulate the behaviour and attention. They improve concentration, help focus the mind and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. They are also known as psychostimulants or amphetamines and can be legally taken with the prescription of ADHD medications. They are also abused as illegal substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines in order to boost energy levels and feel of wellbeing.
You might recognize the brand name Ritalin that is the most commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which helps to improve concentration and reduce excessive and impulsive behavior. most effective adhd medication for adults is available as immediate-release tablets that are taken 2 or 3 times a day or modified-release capsules which release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific areas of the brain, which enhances concentration and aids in focusing the mind. It also helps to reduce impulsive behavior. It is typically offered to adults, teenagers and children over five years of age if methylphenidate does not help. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in three or two doses a day. Atomoxetine differs from the other medications listed above and is offered to teenagers, adults and children (aged 5+) who cannot use lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate due to side effects or other reasons. 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 every day in the form of a tablet, or as an oral solution.
Numerous randomized controlled trials as well as observational studies have been conducted to study the advantages and risks related to the treatment of adult adhd. These studies have compared different medications with placebos or one another however, not all of them have included head-tohead trials. This study blends the results from those trials by using a technique called network meta-analysis. This is the biggest study of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines regarding prescribing medication for adults with ADHD.
The results show that a significant proportion of people with ADHD can benefit from medication. It is essential to carefully consider the risks and benefits before taking any medication. Patients should discuss this with a doctor and, where appropriate, take steps to manage the symptoms of the condition with other treatments, such as treatment and lifestyle modifications. It is also important to recognize any medical condition that may cause or worsen ADHD-like symptoms, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. To determine the possible causes of symptoms, a thorough medical history and examination is essential. Patients with a history of severe drug or alcohol abuse should be treated very carefully. They may require referral to a specialist service. Patients with an history of serious mental disorders or developmental disorders should be evaluated more closely and referred to specialists for any tests and assessments. This can include a more detailed history of the family history of the patient since genetic factors are known to play a part in ADHD.