Adult ADHD Medication
You may require medication if the changes in your environment do not allow you to be successful at school or work. They can be short or long-acting, and include the family of methylphenidates (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed. They are first prescribed until you have a different condition that requires different medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing the activity of brain areas that control attention and behavior. They improve concentration, help to focus the mind and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. They can be legally prescribed as ADHD medication. They are also used as illegal substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine in order to boost energy levels and feel of well-being.
You might recognize the brand name Ritalin which is the most frequently used stimulant to treat ADHD. It enhances the activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and behavior, which helps improves concentration and reduces excessive and impulsive behavior. It is available in the form of tablets with immediate release that are taken two or three times a day or modified-release capsules that release the medication over the course of the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medication that stimulates specific areas of the brain to increase concentration, aids in focusing the mind and reduces the risk of impulsive behavior. If methylphenidate fails to work it is typically prescribed to teens, adults and children older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given as tablets that release immediately, taken 2 or 3 a day. Atomoxetine is a distinct medication from the others and is recommended to teenagers, adults and children (age 5and over) that cannot take methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount noradrenaline, which sends messages between brain cells and increases concentration and impulse control. It is taken in the form of a tablet or oral solution daily.
A large number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies have studied the benefits and risks of treatment for adults with adhd. These studies have compared different medications with placebos or each other but not all included head-to-head trials. This study combines the findings of these trials using a method known as a network meta-analysis. This is the biggest study of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication for adults suffering from ADHD.
The results show that a significant percentage of people with ADHD can benefit from medication. However, it is essential to carefully weigh up the risks and benefits of taking it. Discuss the matter with your physician and, if necessary, implement measures to treat symptoms with other treatments like therapy or lifestyle modifications. It is also essential to determine any medical conditions which could trigger or exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, thyroid disorders, depression, and lead poisoning. In order to identify the potential causes of symptoms, a thorough medical history and physical examination is required. Patients who have an extensive history of drug or alcohol abuse should be treated with extreme care. A referral to a specialist could be necessary. medication for adhd who have an history of serious developmental or mental disorders should be evaluated more closely and referred to specialists for any needed tests and evaluations. This could include a thorough family history, since genetic factors have been identified to be a factor in ADHD.