Adult ADHD Medication

If changes to the environment aren't enough to aid you in your success at school or work, you may be able to benefit from medication. They can be short or long-acting, and include the methylphenidate family (such as Ritalin) and amphetamine salts.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity in the parts of the brain that regulate the behaviour and attention. They can help improve concentration, focus the mind and decrease impulse-driven behaviour. They can be legally prescribed as ADHD medications. However, they are frequently taken recreationally as illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine to increase energy levels and feelings of wellbeing.

You might recognize the brand name Ritalin which is the most widely used stimulant for treating ADHD. It enhances the activity in the brain areas that control attention and behavior, which helps improves concentration and reduces excessive and impulsive behavior. It is available as immediate-release tablets, taken every 2 or 3 times per day, or as modified-release capsules that release the medication throughout 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 adults, teenagers and children over the age of 5 when methylphenidate is not effective. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually consumed in three or more doses a day. Atomoxetine is a different medication from the others and is prescribed to adults, teenagers and children (age 5plus) that cannot take methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the amount noradrenaline, which transmits messages between brain cells and improves the concentration and control of impulses. It is taken as a tablet or an oral solution once a day.

A vast number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies have studied the benefits and risks of drug treatment for adult mild Adhd Medication. These studies have compared different drugs to placebos and other drugs, but none included head-to-head trials. This study combines the results of these studies using a method called network meta-analysis. This is the largest study of ADHD to date, and it strengthens NICE's guidelines on prescribing medication for adults suffering from ADHD.

The findings indicate that a significant proportion of people with ADHD will benefit from non medication treatment for adhd adults. But it is important to consider the benefits and risks of taking it. Patients should talk to a physician about this and, if needed decide to treat the symptoms of the condition with other treatments, such as therapies and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to recognize medical conditions like narcolepsy or sleep apnea that can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough history and examination are crucial in assessing for possible causes of the symptoms. Patients with a history of serious drug or alcohol abuse should be treated with extreme care. A referral to a specialist could be required. Patients who have had a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health issues must be assessed more thoroughly and referred to specific tests and evaluations as required. This could include a thorough family history, since genetic factors have been known to be a factor in ADHD.