Adult ADHD Medication
If the changes to your environment aren't enough to allow you to succeed in school or at work you could be able to benefit from medication. These are short or long-acting and include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed. If you do not have a condition that requires an additional medication, stimulants are often prescribed first.
Stimulants
Stimulants improve the activity of brain areas that control attention and behavior. They can help improve concentration, help focus the mind and decrease impulse-driven behaviour. They are also referred to as amphetamines or psychostimulants and can be legally taken with prescription as ADHD medicines. However, they are often abused recreationally as illegal drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
You may be familiar with the brand name Ritalin, which is the most frequently used stimulant for treating ADHD. It boosts activity in the brain regions that regulate behaviour and attention which aids in improving concentration and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behavior. It is available in the form of tablets with immediate release which are taken 2 or 3 times a day or modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is another medicine that stimulates certain areas of the brain to improve concentration, helps focus the mind and reduce impulsive behaviour. If methylphenidate doesn't work, it is usually prescribed to teens, adults and children older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are typically taken in two or three doses a day. Atomoxetine is a distinct medication from the others and is prescribed to adults, teenagers and children (age 5+) who are not able to take methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount noradrenaline, which transmits messages between brain cells and increases concentration and impulse control. It is taken once daily as a tablet, or as an oral solution.
A vast number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies have studied the benefits and risks of drug treatment for adult adhd. These studies have compared different treatments to placebos or other medications, but not all included head-tohead studies. This study blends the results of those trials by using a technique known as network meta-analysis. This is the largest analysis of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication for adults with ADHD.
The research suggests that a substantial proportion of people with ADHD will benefit from medication. It is important to carefully take into account the benefits and risks prior to taking any medication. Discuss the matter with your physician and, if needed, take steps to manage symptoms by using other treatments like treatment or lifestyle adjustments. It is also essential to determine any medical conditions that could cause or exacerbate ADHD-like symptoms, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy, thyroid disorders, depression and lead poisoning. In order to identify the potential causes of symptoms, a thorough history and examination is necessary. Patients who have a history severe alcohol or drug abuse should be treated with extreme caution. adhd medication for adults iampsychiatry to a specialist could be required. Patients with an history of serious mental disorders or developmental disorders should be evaluated more carefully and referred specialists for any necessary tests and assessments. This can include a detailed family history, as genetic factors have been known to be a factor in ADHD.