15 Astonishing Facts About ADHD Medication For Adults UK

ADHD Medication For Adults UK

NHS figures indicate that the number of adults getting ADHD medication has tripled in recent years.  adult adhd medication uk  is a tiny percentage of people diagnosed with the condition.

Stimulants increase brain activity by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, which transmit messages between nerves. They also boost blood flow to the brain cells.

Stimulants

If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, you may need to take medication. In the UK, this is the standard first treatment. However, talk therapy (psychotherapy) is highly recommended. Talk therapy helps you and your family make sense of your behaviours and struggles, as well as helping you develop healthy coping strategies.

Stimulants alter the quantity of neurotransmitters that send messages between brain nerves including dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves concentration and decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity. There are many stimulant medications available on the NHS and methylphenidate (Ritalin) or the more recent amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are the most common options. These medications are fast-acting and typically take 45 to 60 minutes to begin working.

Some people don't like these drugs even though they've been around for a long time.  best medication for adhd  may experience increased symptoms of insomnia or agitation. This is why it's important to discuss any side effects with your GP and select a treatment that suits you.

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that work in different ways and have less severe side effects. Atomoxetine (Strateva) is one of them. It functions by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline which relays messages between nerves. These are prescribed when stimulants aren't working or intolerant. They are prescribed "off label" when it is believed that they will help ADHD symptoms in certain individuals such as those suffering from anxiety and depression.

If your GP decides you need to take medication, they will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using it for a prolonged period of time with you. They will also discuss how it is best to take the medication and will be required to monitor your growth and dosage levels. This will require weekly, and then monthly appointments with your psychiatrist.

Medications are not the only way to treat ADHD but they are the most commonly used and recommended by Nice in their latest guidance for adults with the condition. There are also psychosocial treatments which can help you and your family members cope with your ADHD symptoms, but these are not generally available through the NHS unless you're already receiving them as part of an assessment and management package.

It is worth remembering that there is no cure for ADHD but the right medication can help manage your symptoms and help you to function in a world that isn't set up to accommodate neurodiversity. Ultimately, though, it's your choice to take ADHD medication and your doctor shouldn't pressure you one way or another. Many people find that therapy is enough to treat their ADHD symptoms. If you do decide to take medication, this should be with the guidance of a specialist psychiatrist who understands the advantages and risks involved. The psychiatrist will be able to assist you and your family members develop strategies for coping that will help you manage any remaining symptoms and avoid issues in the future.