What is the Best ADHD Medication For Adults UK?
If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD it may feel like there are a myriad of treatment options out there. How do you decide on the best treatment for you?
There are two major kinds of medicines for adults with ADHD which are stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants increase brain activity areas that control attention and behavior.
Stimulants
There are a number of medicines that can be used to treat ADHD. Each medication has a unique impact on the brain and it may take some time to find the right one for your child or yourself.
Stimulants (also known as psychostimulants) are the first line of treatment for many adults suffering from ADHD and are the most frequently prescribed. These medicines increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids people to focus better on tasks and reduce symptoms of fatigue. adhd medication side effects decrease the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity that are associated with the disorder.
Amphetamine sodium salts are the principal stimulants used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed and is available as an immediate-release, extended-release or modified release tablet. These medications are usually taken daily in the morning. A second dose is usually administered at night or in the afternoon.
Methylphenidate is a fairly safe and effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a slow-acting drug which means it is more likely to be absorbed into bloodstream and to have an effect on the brain.
Certain people are aware that stimulants can trigger side effects, such as tremors and anxiety. Talking to your doctor in the event of any of these symptoms is crucial. They can give suggestions on how to manage them.
A combination of stimulants and medications might be prescribed to you. Combining these medicines could result in greater effectiveness and have less side effects than one drug.
Your GP can recommend which medicines are best for you and your family. They may recommend you to a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist for more specific advice.
NICE recommends that adults living in the UK take lisdexamfetamine to treat ADHD. It is a highly effective drug that is well-tolerated and readily available in the UK at a reasonable cost.
A network meta-analysis confirms this conclusion. This was the largest study of its kind and proves that this medication is more effective for ADHD adults than other treatments such as methylphenidate and risperidone.
Other methods that may be beneficial to some adults suffering from ADHD include coaching and CBT, which is an unregulated sector that helps people to develop strategies and skills in time management, organisation and planning. Cognitive behavior therapy is a talk therapy that changes the way you think and behave.
These methods are an excellent method for your child or yourself to enhance their self-esteem as well as their behavior however they aren't a cure for ADHD. A therapist can help you or your child change your thoughts and feelings to avoid causing problems in the first place.
There are also self-help tools that you can read or view online that can help with self-care for people with ADHD. These include booklets, books, videos and internet resources.
While it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD but it can make your child live an easier and more satisfying life. It can also help you avoid bullying since the condition causes individuals to be socially inept.