ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities such as Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have publicly shared their ADHD diagnoses, raising awareness of the condition. The NHS is battling with the demand. There are long queues to be diagnosed and a taskforce was created to improve the quality of service.
Stimulant drugs are the primary treatment, increasing levels of certain brain chemicals to decrease hyperactivity and inattention. However, they're not a cure.
Stimulants
The good news is that ADHD medication has improved since its first appearance in the 1980s. The UK offers a greater choice of drugs than Europe or America. The most popular stimulant available is methylphenidate (often referred to as Ritalin), which comes in short-release and extended-release tablets. It works by enhancing the dopamine activity in your brain, which decreases the impulsivity of your brain and makes it easier to pay attention. It also helps reduce the amount of hyperactivity and boost motivation. There are a number of other medicines which act like stimulants but aren't methylphenidate. Some people with Tourette's Syndrome are prescribed clonidine (brand name Tenex), or Guanfacine. Guanfacine has fewer side effects than clonidine, and can help to reduce tics as well as impulsivity.
Amphetamines are the next class of drugs that are frequently prescribed for ADHD. They are more potent than methylphenidate, but they can cause more side consequences, including anxiety and insomnia. However, they can be effective for some people and are generally considered to be safer than the other stimulants on offer. There are two amphetamines that you might be offered if methylphenidate doesn't work for you - dexamfetamine (brand name Lisdexamfetamine) and lisdexamfetamine/amphetamine hydrochloride (brand name Dexamfetamine).
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that is sometimes prescribed in the UK to adults with ADHD. The medication does not affect dopamine however it does increase noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a different kind of messenger molecule that assists in transmit information between the various brain regions. It helps with concentration and reducing impulses, but it can take a while to have a full effect.
Having an assessment and diagnosis of adult ADHD can provide you with more confidence in how to manage your symptoms. The first step is to speak to your GP and discuss your concerns and request a referral to the local specialist clinic. They are generally well-informed about neurodiverse disorders, such as ADHD and are in a position to assist you.
It's normal to feel anxious prior to your first appointment with a psychiatrist. This is especially true when you are thinking about taking medication. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety might have seen documentaries like Netflix's "Take Your Pills" or read horror stories that make you question whether you'll turn into zombies when you're taking psychiatric medication. Our psychiatrists are highly experienced in ADHD and will make sure you feel secure and at ease during the process. They will start you on your medication and then arrange fortnightly or monthly appointments to track your progress and dosage levels, dependent on the service you select. You can return to your GP to continue treatment.