how to get adhd medication uk For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD for adults. Medication helps focus, concentration and decreases impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. They are controlled substances. They should not be taken by those suffering from glaucoma or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medication for adults is a kind of drug known as a psychostimulant. It helps by increasing certain chemical like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This aids in controlling impulses and improving attention. Stimulants are the first therapy that doctors generally recommend. They may not be suitable for everyone as they can cause serious side effects such as insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medicine that is prescribed to both adults and children is the most commonly prescribed. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets that are taken once in the morning with the dose being released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can cause a small increase in heart rate, which can be controlled by taking a small dose of an antidepressant drug known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) in conjunction with it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a different stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the quantity of a substance in the brain known as norepinephrine which passes messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. It's also given to those suffering from anxiety disorders who have coexisting ADHD symptoms.
does adhd medication work is important to keep in mind that medication doesn't cure ADHD, they only manage it. It can take some time to find the right dose and medication to manage your symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. Your doctor might suggest different doses and medications to determine the one that is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants do not work for you or cause side effects, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically to treat ADHD and also those that lower blood-pressure. Doctors may add these medications to stimulants or prescribe them alone.
This group includes guanfacine, (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications belong to a class of drugs called alpha-2 agonists, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are beneficial to people with tics. Tics are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or a throat clearing. Clonidine and guanfacine can be used to decrease depression and anxiety, both of which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
Side effects of these medications can include stomach upsets, headaches and an increased heart rate. The increased heart rate could be a concern for some adults, particularly those suffering from heart disease. These medicines can also result in an increase in appetite. These medications can also slow the growth in children. This does not affect the final height.
Talk to your doctor If you have any questions or concerns about the medication. You can always ask your physician to alter the dosage or switch medications if necessary. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health issues you have, as the medication could interact with some of them. If you have an ongoing condition like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor could require adjusting the dosage of your other medications.