Adult ADHD Medication
You may require medication if the changes in your environment do not allow you to be successful at school or work. These drugs can be long-acting or short-acting and include methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) as well as amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed. They are the first choice in the event of a health issue that requires a different treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the activity in the parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. They improve concentration, help to concentrate the mind and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They are also known as amphetamines or psychostimulants. They are legal to take with prescription as ADHD medication. However, they are frequently used recreationally as illegal substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine to boost energy levels and feelings of well-being.
You might recognize the brand name Ritalin that is the most widely used stimulant to treat ADHD. It increases activity in the brain areas that regulate attention and behavior, which helps improve concentration and reduces impulsive and hyperactive behavior. It can be taken in the form of immediate-release tablets that are taken two or three time a day, or modified-release capsules which release the medicine over the course of the day.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific areas of the brain, which increases concentration and helps focus the mind. It also helps to reduce the impulsive behavior. It is usually prescribed to teenagers, adults and children over the age of 5 when methylphenidate is not effective. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in two or three doses a day. Atomoxetine is a different medicine from the rest and is prescribed to adults, teenagers and children (age 5plus) who are not able to take methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to the risk of side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline-Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount of noradrenaline which transmits messages between brain cells and improves concentration and impulse control. It is taken every day as a tablet, or an oral solution.
A vast number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies have examined the benefits and harms of drug treatment for adult adhd. These studies have compared different medications with placebos or other drugs, but not all have included head-to-head studies. This study combines the results of those studies using a technique called network meta-analysis. It is the largest such study of its kind for ADHD and provides more evidence behind NICE's guidelines for prescribing medication to treat adult ADHD.
The results show that a high percentage of people with ADHD are able to benefit from a medication. But it is important to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of taking it. Discuss this with your doctor and, if necessary, implement measures to treat symptoms by using other treatments, such as treatment or lifestyle modifications. It is also essential to determine any medical conditions that may cause or worsen ADHD-like symptoms, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy depression, thyroid disorders and lead poisoning. To determine the possible 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 caution. They may need referral to a specialist. Patients who have a history of serious mental disorders or developmental disorders should be evaluated more carefully and referred specialists for any necessary tests and assessments. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication can include a detailed family history, since genetic factors have been identified to be involved in ADHD.