Adult ADHD Medication
You may require medication if the changes in your environment are not enough for 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 medications prescribed. If you don't have another condition that needs a different medication, stimulants are usually prescribed first.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate the behaviour and attention. They aid in improving concentration, help focus the mind and decrease the tendency to engage in impulse behavior. They are also referred to as amphetamines or psychostimulants. They are legal to take with a prescription as ADHD medications. However, they are commonly taken recreationally as illicit drugs like copyright and methamphetamines to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
You may be familiar with the brand name Ritalin, which is the most commonly prescribed stimulant used to treat ADHD. It boosts the activity of the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which to improve concentration and reduce excessive and impulsive behavior. It can be taken in the form of tablets that release immediately which are taken 2 or 3 times per day, or modified-release capsules which release the medication throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain regions of the brain, which improves concentration and helps focus the mind. It also helps to reduce the tendency to be impulsive. If methylphenidate doesn't work it is typically prescribed to adults, teens and children older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given as tablets that release immediately, that are taken twice or three times a day. Atomoxetine is a different medicine from the rest and is recommended to teenagers, adults and children (age 5+) who are not able to take methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine because of the adverse effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount noradrenaline, which sends messages between brain cells and improves the concentration and control of impulses. It is taken as a tablet or an oral solution daily.
A number of random controlled trials and observational studies have studied the benefits and risks of drug treatment for adult adhd. These studies compared the different treatments to placebos or other drugs, but none included head-to-head trials. This study blends the results of these trials by using a technique known as network meta-analysis. This is the largest analysis of ADHD to date and strengthens NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
The research suggests that a substantial proportion of people suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication. However, it is essential to carefully weigh up the risks and benefits of taking it. Patients should talk to a physician about this and, if necessary decide to treat the symptoms of the disorder with other treatments, such as therapies and lifestyle modifications. It is crucial to recognize medical conditions such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea which can trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough examination and history is essential in determining possible causes of the symptoms. Patients with a history of severe alcohol or drug abuse should be treated with extreme caution. They may need referral to a specialist service. Patients with histories of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues need to be assessed more thoroughly and recommended for special tests and evaluations if required. This can include a detailed family history, as genetic factors have been identified to here be involved in ADHD.