Adult ADHD Medication
If environmental modifications are not enough to help you succeed at work or school You may be able to benefit from medication. These medications may be either long-acting or short-acting and include methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamines salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed. They are offered first unless you have another health issue that requires a different treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity in parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. They can help improve concentration, focus the mind and decrease impulse-driven behaviour. They are also referred to as psychostimulants or amphetamines and are legal to take with a prescription as ADHD medications. However, they are commonly abused recreationally as illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
The most popular stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you might have heard of under the brand name Ritalin. It boosts activity in the brain regions that regulate behaviour and attention, which helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behaviour. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets that are taken every 2 or 3 times per day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is another medicine that stimulates certain areas of the brain to improve concentration, help focus the mind and reduce impulse-driven behavior. If methylphenidate fails to work it is usually prescribed to teenagers, adults and children who are older than five years old. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in three or two doses per day. Atomoxetine is a different medicine than the other ones and is prescribed to teenagers, adults and children (age 5plus) that cannot take methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine because of the adverse effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount noradrenaline, which transmits messages between brain cells and improves the concentration and control of impulses. It is consumed as a tablet or an oral solution daily.
A vast number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies examined the benefits and harms of the treatment for adults adhd. how to treat adhd without medication in adults compared the different drugs to placebos and other drugs, but none included head-to-head trials. This study combines the findings of these studies by using a technique known as network meta-analysis. It is the largest analysis of ADHD and provides evidence behind NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults suffering from ADHD.
The results show that a significant percentage of people with ADHD are able to benefit from taking medication. But it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of taking the medication. It is recommended to talk to a physician about this and, if necessary, take steps to manage the symptoms of the condition with other methods, including treatment and lifestyle modifications. It is important to identify medical conditions like narcolepsy or sleep apnea which can trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough medical history and a thorough examination is essential in determining possible causes of the symptoms. Patients who have a history excessive alcohol or drug use should be treated with extreme care. Referral to a specialist may be necessary. Patients with histories of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues must be assessed more thoroughly and referred for special tests and evaluations if necessary. This can include a detailed family history as genetic factors have been identified to be involved in ADHD.