Adult ADHD Medication
If environmental modifications are not enough to allow you to succeed at school or work you could benefit from medication. These are short or long acting, and include the family of methylphenidates (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In the UK in the United Kingdom, stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication. If you don't have another condition that needs the use of a different medication, stimulants are usually prescribed first.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They can help improve concentration, help focus the mind and decrease the tendency to engage in impulse behavior. They are able to be prescribed legally as ADHD medication. However, they are commonly taken recreationally as illicit drugs like methamphetamines and copyright to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
The most commonly used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate. You may have heard of by the brand name Ritalin. It boosts the activity of the brain regions that regulate attention and behavior, which improves concentration and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. It is available as immediate-release tablets that are taken 2-3 times a day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medicine that stimulates certain parts of the brain to improve concentration, helps focus the mind and reduce impulse-driven behavior. If methylphenidate fails to work it is usually prescribed to adults, teens and children who are older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in two or three doses daily. Atomoxetine is a different medicine than the other ones and is prescribed to teenagers, adults and children (age 5and over) who are not able to take methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to the risk of side effects. It is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline in the brain, which passes messages between brain cells to improve concentration and control of impulses. It is taken every day in the form of a tablet, or as an oral solution.
A vast number of randomized controlled studies and observational studies have studied the benefits and risks of treatment for adults with adhd. These studies compared medicines to placebos or other medications, but not all included head-tohead studies. This study blends the results of these studies by using a technique known as network meta-analysis. check here This is the largest study of ADHD to date, and it strengthens NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication for adult ADHD.
The results show that a large proportion of people suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication. But it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of taking it. Discuss the matter with your physician and, if needed take steps to manage symptoms using other treatments such as treatment or lifestyle adjustments. It is also crucial to determine any medical conditions that could cause or exacerbate ADHD-like symptoms, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. To determine the causes that could be causing symptoms, a thorough medical history and examination is essential. Patients with a history of serious drinking or substance abuse must be treated with care. They may need referral to a specialist. Patients who have a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues must be assessed more thoroughly and referred to special evaluations and tests as necessary. This could include a thorough family history, as genetic factors have been proven to be involved in ADHD.