Adult ADHD Medication
There is a possibility that you will require medication if the changes in your environment aren't enough for you to succeed at school or work. These drugs can be long-acting or short-acting and include the methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) as well as amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed. adhd and depression medication are first prescribed unless you have another condition that requires different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants improve the activity of brain areas which control behavior and attention. They increase concentration, focus the mind and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. They are able to be prescribed legally as ADHD medications. However, they are often used recreationally as illegal substances like cocaine and methamphetamines to increase energy levels and feelings of well-being.
The most commonly used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you may have heard of under the brand name Ritalin. It enhances the activity in the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which to improve concentration and reduce excessive and impulsive behavior. It is available as immediate-release tablets taken 2-3 times a day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medication throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific areas of the brain, which enhances concentration and aids in focusing the mind. It also reduces the impulsive behavior. It is typically prescribed to adults, teenagers and children above the age of 5 if methylphenidate does not help. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in two or three doses per day. Atomoxetine works differently to the other medicines above and is offered to teens, adults, and children (aged 5and over) who cannot use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine because of adverse effects or other causes. It is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline found in the brain, transferring messages between brain cells to improve concentration and impulse control. It is taken daily as a tablet or as an oral solution.
A number of random controlled trials and observational studies studied the benefits and risks of treatment for adults with adhd. These studies compared the different medicines to placebos or other drugs, but none included head-tohead trials. This study combines the results of these studies using a method known as a network meta-analysis. It is the most comprehensive study of its kind for ADHD and provides evidence for NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication to treat adult ADHD.
The findings indicate that a significant proportion of people with ADHD will benefit from taking medication. But it is important to consider the benefits and risks of taking it. Discuss this with your doctor and, if necessary, implement measures to treat symptoms with other treatments such as treatment or lifestyle adjustments. It is essential to identify medical conditions such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy that can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. In order to determine the causes that could be causing symptoms, a thorough medical history and examination is essential. Patients who have a history excessive alcohol or drug use should be treated with extreme caution. They may need referral to a specialist. Patients who have a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health problems must be assessed more thoroughly and referred to specific tests and evaluations as required. This can include a detailed family history, as genetic factors have been proven to be a factor in ADHD.