What is the Best ADHD Medication For Adults UK?
If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it may feel like there are so many treatment options available. How do you choose the most effective treatment for you?
Adults suffering from ADHD can choose from two types of stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
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There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Each has different effects on the brain and it can take time to identify the right medication for your child or yourself.
Stimulants (also called psychostimulants) are the first treatment option for many adults with ADHD and are the most frequently prescribed. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which aids people to focus more effectively on their tasks and lessen symptoms of fatigue. They also reduce the levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity associated with the disorder.
The most commonly used stimulants used to treat ADHD include amphetamine salts as well as methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed and can be taken as an immediate-release, extended-release or modified release tablet. These medications are usually taken daily in the morning. A second dose is typically given in the afternoon or evening.
Methylphenidate is a relatively safe and effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a slow-acting drug which means it is more likely to be absorbed into bloodstream, and then have an effect on the brain.
Side effects of stimulants can include tremors and anxiety. Talking with your doctor in the event of any of these symptoms is crucial. They can provide suggestions on how to manage them.
You may receive a mix of stimulants and other medicines. The combination of these medicines could boost their effectiveness and have less adverse effects than one medicine on its own.
Your GP will be able to determine which medications are suitable for you and your family. They might recommend a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist for more specific advice.
In the UK, NICE recommends the use of lisdexamfetamine as the first choice of ADHD drug for adults. It is a highly efficient and well-tolerated medicine that is available at a low cost in the UK.
A network meta-analysis confirms this conclusion. This is the largest review of its kind, and it shows that this drug is more efficient for ADHD adults over other treatments like the methylphenidate drug and risperidone.
Other strategies that could be helpful for some adults with ADHD include CBT and coaching, which is an unregulated field that helps people to develop strategies and skills for time management and organisation, as well as planning. Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a kind of talking therapy that can change how you think and behave.
These techniques can be a great way for your child or yourself to increase the self-esteem and behavior of your child, but they won't cure ADHD. A therapist will help you or your child to change your thoughts and feelings to avoid causing problems in the beginning.
You can also find self-help resources on the internet which can be beneficial to people with ADHD. These resources include videos, books, and internet-based resources.
The process of determining if you have ADHD isn't easy however, it can aid you or your child to lead a happier and healthier life. You can also stop bullying by getting a diagnosis of ADHD.