Adult ADHD Medication
You may need medication if the changes in your environment do not allow you to succeed in school or at work. These medications can be either long-acting or short-acting and include methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) as well as amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed. If you don't have any other condition that requires an additional medication, stimulants are often prescribed first.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that help by boosting activity in parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. They can help improve concentration, focus the mind and decrease impulse-driven behaviour. They are also known as amphetamines or psychostimulants and can be legally taken with prescription as ADHD medicines. They are also used as illegal drugs such as copyright and methamphetamines in order to boost energy and feelings of well-being.
You might be familiar with the brand name Ritalin that is the most commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which to improve concentration and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets taken 2 or 3 times a day or modified-release capsules which release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific areas of the brain, which enhances concentration and aids in focusing the mind. It also reduces the impulsive behavior. It is typically offered to teenagers, adults, and children above five years of age if methylphenidate does not help. Lisdexamfetamine is usually given as immediate-release tablets taken 2 or 3 a day. Atomoxetine differs from the other medications listed that are listed above and is available to teenagers, adults and children (aged 5plus) who are unable to use lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate due to negative side effects or for other reasons. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline found in the brain, which transmits messages between brain cells to improve concentration and impulse control. It is taken every day as a tablet or as an oral solution.
Many randomized controlled trials as also observational studies have been conducted to examine the advantages and risks related to the treatment of adult adhd. These studies compared different medicines with placebos or other drugs however, not all of them have included head-to-head trials. This study blends the read more results from those studies using a technique called network meta-analysis. It is the most comprehensive analysis of ADHD and provides more evidence behind NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
The research suggests that a significant proportion of people suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication. It is essential to carefully consider the benefits and risks prior to taking any medication. It is recommended to talk to a physician about this and, if necessary decide to treat the symptoms of the condition with other treatments, like therapy and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to recognize medical conditions such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy that can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough examination and history is essential in determining possible causes of the symptoms. Patients with a history of serious drug or alcohol abuse should be treated very carefully. Referral to a specialist may be necessary. Patients who have an history of serious mental disorders or developmental disorders should be assessed more carefully and referred specialists for any tests and assessments. This could include a thorough family history, as genetic factors have been known to be a factor in ADHD.