ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities like Sue Perkins and Jonny Vegas have shared their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses publicly to increase awareness of the condition. The NHS is struggling to keep up with demand, with long queues for diagnosis and a taskforce set up to improve services.
Stimulant drugs are the main treatment, increasing levels of certain brain chemicals to reduce hyperactivity and inattention. But they're not an effective treatment.
Stimulants
The positive side is that treatment for ADHD has come a long way since it first became available as a drug treatment in the 1980s. The UK has a much better selection of drugs than Europe or America. The first-choice stimulant is methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) available in extended-release and short-release tablets. It increases the dopamine activity in your brain, which reduces the impulsivity of your brain and makes it easier to pay attention. It also increases motivation and decrease hyperactivity. There are many other medications that function as stimulants, but aren't methylphenidate. This includes guanfacine (brand name Tenex) and clonidine which are sometimes prescribed for people who have Tourette's syndrome. Guanfacine has less side effects than clonidine and could help to reduce tics as well as impulsivity.
Amphetamines is the next category of drugs commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are more potent than methylphenidate however they may cause more adverse effects, such as an increase in appetite and insomnia. However, they are beneficial for certain individuals and are generally thought to be safer than other stimulants on offer. There are two amphetamines that you might be offered if methylphenidate doesn't work for you - dexamfetamine (brand name Lisdexamfetamine) and lisdexamfetamine/amphetamine hydrochloride (brand name Dexamfetamine).
There is a non-stimulant medicine that is commonly used in the UK for adults suffering from ADHD known as Atomoxetine (sometimes known as Strattera). This doesn't affect dopamine levels however it does trigger an increase in noradrenaline levels, another messenger chemical that aids in the process of transfer information from one area of your brain to another. It helps in focusing and decreases impulses, but it can take several weeks to take effect.
A diagnosis and assessment of adult ADHD will give you more confidence to manage your symptoms. Talk to your GP and explain your concerns. Ask for an appointment. The GP will be able to assist you if they are well-informed about neurodiverse conditions, like ADHD.
It's normal to be nervous prior to your first appointment with a psychiatrist, especially if you're thinking about medication. You may have heard scary stories or watched documentaries, such as Netflix's "Take Your Pills," that make you wonder if will become a zombie on psychiatric medication. click this link now are highly experienced in ADHD and will make sure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the process. Based on the type of treatment you choose, they will begin your treatment and will then schedule monthly or fortnightly appointments to check on your progress. You will then be able to return to your GP for ongoing care and treatment.