Adult ADHD Medication
If environmental modifications are not enough to allow you to 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 frequently ADHD medications prescribed. They are the first choice in the event of a medical condition that requires a different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They increase concentration, to focus the mind and decrease impulsive behaviour. They are also referred to as psychostimulants or amphetamines and can be taken legally with the prescription of ADHD medication. They are also used as illegal substances such as copyright and methamphetamines in order to boost energy and feelings of wellbeing.
The most widely used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you may have heard of by the brand name Ritalin. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which helps to improve concentration and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets taken 2-3 times a day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific areas of the brain, which enhances concentration and helps to focus the mind. It also reduces the impulsive behavior. If methylphenidate fails to work it is typically prescribed to teens, adults and children older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in two or three doses daily. Atomoxetine is a different medication from the others and is prescribed to adults, teenagers and children (age 5+) that cannot take methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount of noradrenaline which transmits messages between brain cells and improves concentration and impulse control. It is taken as a tablet or an oral solution once a day.
A large number of randomized controlled studies 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 drugs, but none included head-tohead trials. This study combines results from those studies using a technique called network meta-analysis. This is the most comprehensive study of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults with ADHD.
The results show that a significant proportion of people suffering from ADHD will benefit from taking medication. But it is important to carefully weigh up the benefits and check here risks of taking it. People should discuss this with a doctor and, where appropriate decide to treat the symptoms of the condition using other methods, including therapies and lifestyle changes. It is essential to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy which can trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms. To identify the potential causes of symptoms, a thorough history and physical examination is required. Patients who have a history of serious drinking or substance abuse must be treated with extreme care. A referral to a specialist could be necessary. Patients who have a history of serious mental disorders or developmental disorders should be assessed more carefully and referred to specialists for any tests and evaluations. This may include a complete family history as genetic factors have been known to play a part in ADHD.