ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults with ADHD are often treated first with medication. Stimulants work by increasing activity in certain regions of the brain that play a part in regulating attention and behavior.
They can help reduce hyperactivity and fidgeting. They are often offered along with the behavioural therapy.
Stimulants
Specialists in psychiatry who specialize in ADHD can prescribe medications that will help to alleviate symptoms of the condition. These include medications such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, which increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that control the quality of your attention span, discipline and impulse control. They can also cause sedation and slow down your heart rate.
Our experienced psychiatrists will carefully titrate the medication you are taking and make any adjustments needed to ensure you get the best possible outcome. They will look at the side effects and how your medication affects your health to determine the appropriate dosage. You may need to try various types of medication before you find one that is effective. Stimulant medicines typically begin to work within 45-60 minutes, so you should be able to be able to see the results of your treatment in a short time. It is possible that you will need to monitor your symptoms at home for several days before you and your doctor will determine the right dosage for you.
There are other medications available to treat ADHD. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, both non-stimulants, that help improve concentration and impulse control by acting differently than stimulants. They can be useful in cases where you are not able to take stimulants due to health issues or if they don't give the desired results or have negative adverse effects.
The effects of stimulants increase the number of neurotransmitters in your brain, which helps brain cells communicate with one and each other. The side effects could include a loss of appetite, sleep problems and other adverse effects. Your psychiatrist will track these regularly to ensure you are getting the most from your medication.
It can take as long as one month for ADHD medication to begin working. This is why it is crucial to continue to receive psychosocial therapy, such as CBT and mindfulness, once you have found the treatment that is right for you.
While not everyone with ADHD requires medication, it could make a an enormous difference for many people. It allows them to get back to work, take exams, and lead a more productive life. It can mean a more stable family life.
Please contact medication for adhd uk if you want to know more about how a private psychiatric can assist you in managing ADHD. Our specialist team of psychiatrists has extensive experience treating adult ADHD and would be delighted to discuss options with you.
ADHD and Medication: What You Need to Know
Taking medication for your ADHD is a significant step, but it could dramatically improve your quality of life. In this video client James Bloodworth talks about his own experiences of using ADHD medication along with psychosocial assistance and how it's changed his life. The UK is currently experiencing an acute shortage of ADHD medications, which is expected to last until the end of the year. This is due both to supply issues and an increase in demand. During this time, we recommend you speak with your GP to discuss alternatives to treatment and to determine whether they can prescribe alternative medications in the meantime.