ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities like Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have publicly shared their ADHD diagnosis, spreading awareness of the condition. The NHS is struggling to keep up with the demand, with long queues for diagnosis and a taskforce established to improve services.
Stimulant medications are the most common treatment, boosting levels of certain brain chemicals to reduce hyperactivity and inattention. They aren't a cure.
Stimulants
The good news is that ADHD medication has improved since its first appearance in the 1980s. The UK is currently in a better position than Europe or America and has a good selection of medications available. adhd medication list of choice is methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin. It comes in both extended-release and quick-release tablets. It works by increasing the dopamine activity in your brain, which reduces the tendency to be impulsive and assists in paying attention. It also reduces hyperactivity and increase motivation. There are other stimulants that aren't methylphenidate. Certain people suffering from Tourette's syndrome are prescribed Clonidine (brand name Tenex) or guanfacine. Guanfacine has less adverse effects than clonidine and may help to reduce tics as well as impulsivity.
Amphetamines is the next category of drugs that are typically prescribed for ADHD. These are stronger than methylphenidate but can have more adverse effects, such as insomnia and increased appetite. However, they are beneficial for certain individuals and are generally thought to be safer than the other stimulants on offer. There are two amphetamines that you might be offered if methylphenidate doesn't work for you - dexamfetamine (brand name Lisdexamfetamine) and lisdexamfetamine/amphetamine hydrochloride (brand name Dexamfetamine).
Atomoxetine, sometimes referred to Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that is often prescribed in the UK to adults with ADHD. adhd without medication doesn't affect the levels of dopamine however it does trigger an increase in noradrenaline, another type of messenger chemical that helps to pass information from one part of your brain to the other. It can help with concentration and reduce impulses. However it takes several weeks before the full effects can be felt.
A diagnosis and assessment of adult ADHD will help you gain confidence to manage your symptoms. Talk with your GP and share your concerns. Request an appointment. GPs are usually well informed about neurodiverse disorders like ADHD, and will be able to help you.
It's normal to feel nervous prior to your first visit with a psychiatrist, particularly in the event that you're thinking about taking medications. You may have heard scare stories or watched documentaries like Netflix's "Take Your Pills," that make you wonder if you will become zombies while taking psychiatric medications. Our psychiatrists have years of experience in ADHD and can help you feel safe and comfortable throughout the process. They will get you started on your medication and will then schedule regular appointments every two weeks or monthly to track your improvement and dosage levels according to the treatment you choose. You can visit your GP to continue treatment.
