ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities like Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have publicly shared their ADHD diagnosis, spreading awareness about the condition. adhd stimulant medication is struggling to keep up with demand, with long queues for diagnosis and a taskforce established to improve services.
The primary treatment is stimulant drugs, which boost levels of a certain chemical in the brain to decrease excessive activity. They aren't a cure.
Stimulants
The good news is that ADHD medication has improved since its first appearance in the 1980s. The UK has a better choice of drugs than Europe or America. The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate. It is also referred to as Ritalin. It is available in both extended-release and quick-release tablets. It increases the dopamine activity in your brain, which decreases impulsivity and helps you pay attention. It also helps reduce anxiety and increase motivation. There are other stimulants that aren't methylphenidate. These include Guanfacine (brand name Tenex) and clonidine, which are often prescribed for those with Tourette's disease. Guanfacine is less side-effect prone than clonidine, and may reduce both impulses and tics.
Amphetamines belong to the next category of medications commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are more potent than methylphenidate, however they may cause more adverse effects like insomnia and an increase in hunger. However, they are beneficial for certain individuals and are generally considered to be more secure 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 one non-stimulant medication that is commonly used in the UK for adults with ADHD, which is Atomoxetine (sometimes known as Strattera). This medication doesn't affect dopamine but it does boost noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is another type of messenger molecule which helps transfer information between different parts of the brain. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulses. However it takes several weeks before the full effects can be felt.
A diagnosis and assessment of adult ADHD will help you gain confidence in managing your symptoms. Talk to your GP and discuss your concerns. Ask for a referral. The GPs are generally well-informed about neurodiverse conditions like ADHD and are able to help you.
It's normal to feel anxious prior to your first visit with a psychiatrist. This is especially true if are thinking about taking medication. You may have heard scare stories or watched documentaries such as Netflix's "Take Your Pills," that make you wonder if will become zombies on psychiatric drugs. Our psychiatrists have vast experience with ADHD and are skilled in making you feel relaxed and safe during the procedure. They will begin your medication and then arrange fortnightly or monthly appointments to monitor your growth and dosage levels, dependent on the service you select. You may return to your GP to continue treatment.