Adult ADHD Medication
You may need medication if changes in the environment aren't enough for you to succeed at school or work. These medications can be either long-acting or short-acting and include the methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) as well as amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medications prescribed. If you don't have any other condition that requires a different medication, stimulants are usually prescribed first.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances that help by boosting activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour. They improve concentration, help focus the mind and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They are also referred to as amphetamines or psychostimulants. medication for adhd can be legally taken with a prescription as ADHD medicines. They are also abused as illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine in order to boost energy and feelings of well-being.
You might be familiar with the brand name Ritalin, which is the most frequently prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD. It boosts activity in the brain regions that regulate behaviour and attention which aids in improving concentration and reduces impulsive and hyperactive behavior. It is available in the form of tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three times a day, or modified-release capsules which release the medication over the course of the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medication that stimulates specific areas of the brain to increase concentration, helps focus the mind and decrease impulsive behaviour. If methylphenidate isn't working it is usually prescribed to adults, teens and children who are older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine is usually prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are which are taken two or three times per day. Atomoxetine works differently to the other medications listed above and is offered to adults, teens and children (aged 5plus) who cannot use the methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to side effects or other reasons. 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 once daily in the form of a tablet, or an oral solution.
A number of random controlled studies and observational studies have examined the benefits and harms of the treatment for adults adhd. These studies compared different medicines with placebos or each other, but not all have included head-tohead trials. This study combines the results of those trials by using a technique called network meta-analysis. This is the biggest study of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adult ADHD.
The research suggests that a large percentage of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from medication. However, it is crucial to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of taking it. People should talk to a physician about this and, if necessary decide to treat the symptoms of the condition with other treatments, like treatment and lifestyle adjustments. It is important to identify medical conditions like narcolepsy or sleep apnea that can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. In order to determine the causes that could be causing symptoms, a thorough history and examination is essential. Patients with a history of severe alcohol or drug abuse should be treated with care. They may require referral to a specialist. Patients who have had a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues should be evaluated more thoroughly and recommended for special evaluations and tests as required. This may include a more detailed history of the person's family, since genetic factors are known to play a part in ADHD.