Types of ADHD Medication in the UK
There are three types of licensed ADHD treatment in the UK that contain methylphenidate (eg Concerta XL, Equasym XL) or dexamfetamine (eg Elvanse).
The stimulants stimulate activity in the brain, particularly areas that play a role in controlling attention and behavior. They also help reduce impulsivity. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine and antidepressants such as bupropion.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain disorder that may cause issues with attention to stimuli, impulse control, and even hyperactivity. It affects both children and adults and can cause issues in work, school and relationships.
While the reason for ADHD is unknown, it appears that certain chemical changes in the brain might be the cause of the symptoms. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters. They include dopamine and norepinephrine.
Treatments that lessen ADHD symptoms have the highest effectiveness at targeting these neurotransmitters. These medications can be combined with stimulants and other non-stimulants, or could be a single drug.
Most often, medication is employed in conjunction with behavior therapy. This can help you learn new skills and change your habits. It is important to get enough sleep and eat a healthy well-balanced diet.
Exercise can ease ADHD symptoms. It raises levels in the brain of dopamine, norepinephrine and can reduce the severity of the symptoms. This can make ADHD sufferers feel more focused and less restless.
Other factors that can help with the symptoms of ADHD include drinking fewer caffeinated and sugary drinks, getting enough sleep, exercising and maintaining a healthy and balanced mental health. It is important to maintain an optimistic mindset and adhere to a routine.
If you or your child has ADHD It is important to keep an eye on your symptoms and inform your doctor about them. Your doctor will track your progress through treatment and should necessary, make changes to the treatment plan.
Combining therapy with medication, skill training is the most effective treatment for ADHD. Multimodal treatment can be more effective than medication alone but it can require some time to identify the best combination for you.
ADHD stimulants are the most common medication prescribed. They are typically taken one time daily in small doses to begin. Certain people are more responsive to long-acting or extended release formulations that gradually build up in the bloodstream, and take a long time to wear off. They reduce the rebound effect, which is when symptoms return as the drug wears off.
Doctors may prescribe stimulants in addition to other medicines that can improve attention and focus. These medications are called non-stimulants and take longer to begin working as stimulants, however, they are more effective in those with ADHD.
Talk to your doctor about potential side effects from ADHD medication your child or you are taking. These side effects can lead to depression and agitation. The dose adjustment can reduce these problems.
Other symptoms that are typical are irritability as well as difficulty working. Writing down your experiences in a journal can help you track your side effects and notify your doctor. This information can be shared with family members and anyone else who might be able to assist you.
If you struggle to focus on your work, it may be difficult to keep deadlines in school or in the workplace. You might not remember to complete your homework, or you may miss social events or meetings that you had to attend.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications have the longest track record in treating ADHD and are the most frequently prescribed treatment for attention deficit disorder (ADD). They work by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain. This results in greater concentration, focus and motivation, as well as overall effectiveness.
These medications can also be used to reduce hyperactivity, aggression, and impulse control. The most popular stimulant medicines include methylphenidate (also known as adderall), or dexedrine.
They can be consumed in capsules, pills, or tablets. They are typically taken in the morning and released into the bloodstream after several hours.
There are two kinds of stimulants: short-acting stimulants and longer-acting stimulants. Both are available in generic forms and can be used safely and effectively to treat ADHD.
Adults and children alike prefer longer-acting stimulants with longer-lasting effects. They can be costly and may cause more side negative effects. This kind of medication is recommended only once per day.
Adults and children who are dependent on stimulants are at greater risk of developing heart disease. They should be checked regularly for changes in their heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor can alter the dosage or cease the medication when there is a concern.
Stimulant medications can cause variety of adverse effects, but most are mild and fade over time. While nausea and vomiting are common reactions of stimulant medications, this is very rare. Others experience a slight increase of their heart rate and blood pressure.
These side effects usually last only a few hours and are able to be managed with tweaks to the medication's schedule, or dose. While some medications may have minimal or no side effects, some can cause serious side reactions that require hospitalization.
When your doctor prescribes medication for your child, she will consider his weight, age, and any other factors that might impact the effectiveness of the medication. The doctor will also alter the dosage of the medication your child takes to get the best results.
Certain of the side effects can be serious, such as seizures or low blood pressure. If you observe any of these symptoms make sure to contact your doctor right away.
Other side effects are not as severe and can include problems sleeping, irritability, and an increase in appetite. Certain medications can trigger tics which are sudden repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing.
Tics are a common issue for ADHD children and can make it difficult to concentrate. Tics can be a traumatic and terrifying experience for parents, so it's important to be aware of them.
Talk to your doctor If you suspect that your child is developing tic. It is possible to obtain a treatment that does not have adverse effects.
most effective adhd medication for adults that are prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK are methylphenidate (Elvanse) and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). To achieve the best results, the medications should be taken slowly and the dosage must be adjusted frequently.
Other medications can be used to treat ADHD including antidepressants or high blood pressure medication. These drugs work by acting on the brain's levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. They can be an effective alternative to stimulant medications in the event that it isn't effective or has too many adverse negative effects.