Adult ADHD Medication
If changes to the environment aren't enough to help you succeed at school or work, you may 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 commonly used ADHD medications prescribed. If you do not have any other condition that requires a different medication, stimulants are usually prescribed first.
adult adhd treatments
Stimulants work by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They aid in improving concentration, focus the mind and decrease the tendency to engage in impulse behavior. They can be legally prescribed as ADHD medication. However, they are frequently taken recreationally as illicit drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine to increase energy levels and feelings of well-being.
You might recognize the brand name Ritalin which is the most commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which improves concentration and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. It can be taken in the form of immediate-release tablets taken 2 or 3 times a day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is another medicine that stimulates specific areas of the brain. It improves concentration, helps focus the mind and reduce impulse-driven behavior. If methylphenidate doesn't work it is typically prescribed to teenagers, adults and children over five years old. Lisdexamfetamine is usually prescribed in tablets with immediate release that are that are taken twice or three times a day. Atomoxetine is different from the other medications mentioned that are listed above and is available to teens, adults, and children (aged 5and over) who cannot use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine because of negative side effects or for 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 impulse control. It is taken once daily as a tablet or as an oral solution.
A number of random controlled trials and observational studies have studied the benefits and risks of the treatment for adults adhd. These studies compared the different treatments to placebos or other drugs, but none included head-tohead studies. This study combines the results of those trials using a method called network meta-analysis. It is the largest such analysis for ADHD and strengthens the evidence in NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
The results show that a large proportion of people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from taking medication. It is important to carefully take into account the benefits and risks prior to taking any medication. Discuss this with your doctor and, if necessary, take steps to manage symptoms using other treatments, such as therapy or lifestyle modifications. It is important to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy which can trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough medical history and a thorough examination are essential to determine possible causes of the symptoms. Patients with a history of extreme alcohol or drug abuse should be treated with extreme caution. They may require referral to a specialist. Patients with histories of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues need to be assessed more thoroughly and recommended for specific tests and evaluations as required. This may include a more detailed history of the family members of the patient, since genetic factors are known to play a part in ADHD.