Adult ADHD Medication

You may need medication if the changes in your environment aren't enough for you to achieve success at work or school. These medications may be either long-acting or short-acting and include the methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) and amphetamines salts.

In the UK stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medication prescribed. They are offered first until you have a different condition that requires different medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants improve the activity of brain areas that control attention and behavior. They improve concentration, help focus the mind and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They can be legally prescribed as ADHD medication. They can also be used as illegal substances such as methamphetamines and copyright to increase energy levels and feelings of well-being.

The most widely used stimulant for ADHD is methylphenidate, which you might have heard of under the brand name Ritalin. It boosts activity in the brain regions that control attention and behaviour, which helps improve concentration and decreases hyperactive and impulsive behavior. It is available as immediate-release tablets taken every 2 or 3 times per day or modified-release capsules that release the medication throughout the day.

Lisdexamfetamine is a different medicine that stimulates certain areas of the brain to improve concentration, help focus the mind and decrease impulsive behaviour. It is typically offered to teenagers, adults, and children above five years of age when methylphenidate is not effective. Lisdexamfetamine is typically given as tablets that release immediately, taken 2 or 3 a day. Atomoxetine is a different medication from the rest and is prescribed to teenagers, adults and children (age 5+) that cannot take methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine due to the risk of side effects. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline found in the brain, which transmits messages between brain cells to enhance concentration and control of impulses. It is taken daily as a tablet, or an oral solution.

Many randomized controlled studies as and observational studies have been conducted to examine the benefits and dangers associated with drug treatment of adult adhd. These studies compared drugs to placebos and other drugs, but not all included head-to-head trials. This study combines the results of those studies using a method called network meta-analysis. It is the largest such analysis of ADHD and provides evidence behind NICE's guidelines for prescribing medications for adults suffering from ADHD.

The results show that a high percentage of people with ADHD can benefit from medication. It is essential to carefully take into account the benefits and risks prior to taking any medication. Discuss this with your doctor and, if needed, implement measures to treat symptoms using other treatments such as therapy or lifestyle modifications. It is important to identify medical conditions like sleep apnea or narcolepsy which can here trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms. To identify the potential causes of symptoms, a thorough medical history and examination is necessary. Patients who have a history of excessive alcohol or drug use should be treated with extreme care. Referral to a specialist may be required. Patients who have a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues need to be assessed more thoroughly and recommended for specific tests and evaluations as required. This can include a detailed family history as genetic factors have been known to be involved in ADHD.