ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults with ADHD are often treated first with medication. Stimulants increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
They can decrease the frequency of fidgeting and hyperactivity. They are often offered in conjunction with the behavioural therapy.
Stimulants
Specialists in psychiatry who specialize in ADHD can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms of this condition. These are known as stimulants and include medicines like dexamphetamine and methylphenidate, which boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate the attention span, self-discipline and control of impulses. They also can be sedating and reduce your heart rate.
Our expert psychiatrists will carefully titrate the medication you are taking, making any adjustments necessary to ensure you get the best results. They will look at the effects of your medication and how your medication affects you in order to determine the correct dosage. It could be that you need to try a few different types of medication before you find the one that is right for you. The majority of stimulant medications begin to work in 45-60 minutes, which means you will see the results of your treatment in a short time. It may take a few days to monitor your symptoms before you and your physician will determine the most effective dose for you.
While stimulants are the most commonly used kind of medication used to treat ADHD, there are other drugs available. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine are non-stimulants that help improve concentration and control of impulses by acting differently than stimulants. They are beneficial when you are unable to use stimulants due to medical issues or if they fail to provide the desired effects or have unpleasant adverse effects.
The stimulants work by increasing the amount of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. These help brain cells to communicate with one another. They can cause a range of side effects, including loss of appetite and sleep disorders, which your psychiatrist will check regularly to ensure that you are receiving the best results from your medication.
It can take up to one month for ADHD medication to begin working. This is why it's important to continue with psychosocial therapy, such as CBT and mindfulness, once you've found the medication that works for you.
Although not all people suffers from ADHD needs medication, it can make a significant difference to many people. It can allow people to return to work, take tests, and lead a more productive life. It can mean that their family lives are more stable.
Contact us if want to know more about how a private psychiatric can assist you in managing ADHD. Our specialist team of psychiatrists has huge experience in treating adults with ADHD and would be delighted to discuss your options with you.
ADHD and Medication - What you need to know
It's not an easy choice to choose a medication for ADHD however it can transform your life in a dramatic way. In this video client James Bloodworth talks about his own experiences of using ADHD medication alongside psychosocial support and how it has changed his life. The UK is currently experiencing an acute shortage of ADHD medication, which is read more expected to continue until the end of the year. This is due both to supply issues and a rise in demand. During this period we suggest that you speak with your GP in order to discuss alternative treatment options and to ask if they could prescribe alternative medicines.