What is the Best ADHD Medication For Adults UK?
If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it can be like there are a myriad of treatments available. But how do you know which one is right for you?
Adults suffering from ADHD can select between two types of stimulants or non-stimulants. stimulants stimulate brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Stimulants
There are many medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Each has different effects on the brain and it can take a while to find the right medication for your child or yourself.
Stimulants (also called psychostimulants) are the first option for treating many adults suffering from ADHD and are often prescribed. These medicines increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, allowing patients to concentrate better on their tasks and decrease symptoms of fatigue. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity that are associated with the disorder.
The main types of stimulants used to treat ADHD include amphetamine salts and methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed and can be taken as an immediate-release, extended release or modified-release tablet. These medicines are typically taken daily in the morning. An additional dose is typically administered in the afternoon or evening.
Methylphenidate is a relatively safe and effective treatment for adults with ADHD. It is a slow-acting drug which means it is more likely to be absorbed into bloodstream, and then have an impact on the brain.
The side effects of stimulants could include anxiety and tremors. It's important to talk to your GP for any of these symptoms, and they will suggest ways you can manage these symptoms.
You might be prescribed a mix of stimulants and other medications. Combining these medicines could make them more effective and also have less adverse effects than one medicine on its own.
Your GP can suggest the most effective medicines for you and for your family. They might refer you to a specialised psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for more specific advice.
In the UK, NICE recommends the use of lisdexamfetamine as a first choice ADHD drug for adults. It is an extremely effective and well-tolerated drug available at a low cost in the UK.
This is backed up by a recent meta-analysis of networks. This was the largest study of its kind and demonstrates that this drug is more effective for ADHD adults over other treatments like methylphenidate and risperidone.
medication for add in adults that are beneficial for people with ADHD include coaching and CBT that is an unregulated business that helps people to develop strategies and skills for time management and organisation, as well as planning. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can help you change your thoughts and behavior.
These techniques can be an excellent method for your child or yourself to increase the self-esteem and behavior of your child however they aren't a cure for ADHD. A therapist will help you or your child change your thoughts and feelings to avoid causing problems in the first place.
There are also self-help websites that can be useful for those with ADHD. These include books, videos as well as internet resources.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't simple however it can aid you or your child to live a healthier and happier life. It can also assist you avoid bullying as the condition causes people to have low social skills.