ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities such as Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have publicly shared their ADHD diagnosis, spreading awareness of the condition. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand. There are long lines to get diagnosed and a taskforce was created to improve the quality of service.
The main treatment is stimulant drugs, which increase levels of a certain chemical in the brain to decrease inattention and excessive activity. However, they're not a cure.
Stimulants
The positive side is that ADHD medication has improved since its first appearance in the 1980s. The UK offers a greater choice of drugs than Europe or America. The first-choice stimulant is methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) available in extended-release and short-release tablets. It is a stimulant that increases dopamine production in your brain. This reduces impulsivity and assists you in paying attention. It can also increase motivation and reduce hyperactivity. There are a number of other medications that function as stimulants, but aren't methylphenidate. This includes Guanfacine (brand name Tenex) and clonidine which are often prescribed to those suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Guanfacine is less prone to side effects than clonidine, and it could reduce both tics as well as impulsivity.
Amphetamines are the next class of medications commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are more potent than methylphenidate, however they may cause more adverse effects such as insomnia and increased hunger. However, they can be beneficial for certain individuals and are generally considered to be safer than other stimulants available. 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).
There is one non-stimulant medication sometimes used in the UK for adults suffering from ADHD known as Atomoxetine (sometimes called Strattera). types of adhd medication doesn't affect dopamine levels however it does trigger an increase in the amount of noradrenaline, another messenger chemical that assists in transfer information from one area of your brain to the other. It can aid in concentration and also reduce impulses. However, it takes several weeks to fully experience the effects be felt.
Having an assessment and diagnosis of adult ADHD can help you gain confidence in how to manage your symptoms. Talk with your GP and share your concerns. Ask for an appointment. The GPs are generally well-informed about neurodiverse disorders like ADHD and are competent to assist you.
It's normal to feel nervous prior to your first appointment with a psychiatrist. This is especially true if are thinking about taking medication. You may have heard scare stories or watched documentaries, such as Netflix's "Take Your Pills" which can make you wonder if will become zombies while taking psychiatric medications. Our psychiatrists are experienced in ADHD and can help you feel secure and at ease during the process. They will start you on your medication, and then schedule regular appointments every two weeks or monthly to monitor your progress and dosage levels, depending on the service you choose. You can visit your GP to continue treatment.
