What is the Best ADHD Medication For Adults UK?
If you've been diagnosed as having adult ADHD It can be like there are so many treatment options available. How do you choose the most appropriate treatment for you?
Adults with ADHD can pick between two main types: stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants increase activity in certain areas of your brain that control your attention and behavior.
Stimulants
There are a variety of medications that may be used to treat ADHD. Each one has a different effect on the brain, and it takes time to determine the best medication for you or your child.
Stimulants (also called psychostimulants) are the first treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD and are often prescribed. These drugs increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids people focus better on tasks and reduce symptoms of fatigue. They also reduce the level of hyperactivity and impulsivity associated with the disorder.
The most common types of stimulants used to treat ADHD include amphetamine salts and methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed and can be taken as an immediate-release, extended release or modified-release tablet. These drugs are usually taken once a day in the morning, with an additional dose typically administered in the late afternoon or the evening.
Methylphenidate is a fairly safe and effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. It's a slow-acting drug that means it is more likely it will be absorbed into the bloodstream, and then act in the brain.
Certain people have found that stimulants can create side effects, such as tremors or anxiety. It is important to speak to your GP when you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they will suggest ways you can manage these symptoms.
You could receive a mix of stimulants as well as other medications. Combining these medicines can make them more effective, and they may have fewer side effects than one medicine on its own.
Your GP can recommend the best medicines for you and for your family. For more specific advice, your doctor may recommend an expert psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
In the UK, NICE recommends the use of lisdexamfetamine as a first-choice ADHD drug for adults. It is an effective, well-tolerated drug and is readily available in the UK at a low price.
A meta-analysis of networks supports this conclusion. The review was the most comprehensive of its kind to date and proves that this drug is more effective than other treatments for adults with ADHD like methylphenidate or risperidone.
CBT and coaching are two other alternatives that could prove beneficial for adults with ADHD. nhs adhd medication helps people develop strategies and techniques for time management and organisation. Cognitive behavior therapy is a talk therapy that can change the way you think and behave.
These methods can be a great way to enhance your child's behaviour and self-esteem, but they won't be able to treat ADHD. A therapist can assist you or your child alter your thoughts and emotions to stop problems from developing.
There are also some self-help tools that you can read or view online that can help with self-care for those with ADHD. These include books, videos, and internet-based resources.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not easy however, it can assist you or your child live a healthier and happier life. You can also stop bullying by receiving a diagnosis of ADHD.