What is the Best ADHD Medication For Adults UK?
Adult ADHD can be confusing and it can appear as if there are many options for treatment. How do add medication adult decide on the best treatment option for you?
There are two main kinds of medications for adults with ADHD including stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants increase brain activity areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Stimulants
There are a myriad of medications that can be used to treat ADHD. Each has different effects on the brain and it can take time to determine the best medication for your child or yourself.
Many adults with ADHD are prescribed stimulants, which are also known as psychostimulants. They are the first line of treatment. These medications boost the levels of dopamine in the brain, norepinephrine. They also help people focus better on tasks and reduce fatigue symptoms. They also decrease the levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity 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 often taken once a day in the morning, with an extra dose usually administered in the late afternoon to the evening.
Methylphenidate is a relatively safe and effective treatment for adults with ADHD. It is a slow-acting drug that means it is more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and then have an effect on the brain.
The side effects of stimulants could include anxiety and tremors. Talking to your doctor in the event of any of these symptoms is important. They will be able to offer suggestions on how to manage them.
You may be prescribed a mixture of stimulants and other medicines. Combining these medications can boost their effectiveness and may cause less side effects than one medication alone.
Your GP can recommend which medicines are best for you and your family. They may refer you to a specialist psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for more specific advice.
In the UK, NICE recommends the use of lisdexamfetamine as a first choice ADHD medication for adults. It is a highly efficient and well-tolerated drug that is available at a low cost in the UK.
A meta-analysis of network data confirms this conclusion. The review was the largest of its kind and demonstrates that this drug is more effective than other treatments for adults suffering from ADHD, such as methylphenidate or Risperidone.
CBT and coaching are other alternatives that could prove beneficial for people with ADHD. This unregulated industry assists people in developing strategies and techniques for time management and organisation. Cognitive therapy for behavioural problems is a kind of talking therapy that can change how you think and behave.
These methods are an excellent way for you to help your child or yourself to improve their self-esteem and behaviour, but they won't cure ADHD. A therapist can assist you or your child alter your thoughts and emotions so that they don't create problems in the first place.
There are also some self-help materials that you can read or watch online that can help with self-care for people who have ADHD. These resources include videos, books and internet resources.
Although it can be difficult to determine if you have ADHD but it can make your child or lead a happier and more fulfilling life. You can also stay away from bullying by being diagnosed of ADHD.