Types of ADHD Medication in the UK
There are three kinds of licensed ADHD medication available in the UK which contain the chemical methylphenidate (eg Concerta XL, Equasym XL) or dexamfetamine (eg Elvanse).
Stimulants increase brain activity, especially in areas that regulate the behaviour and attention. They also can help reduce the amount of impulsivity. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine as well as antidepressants such as bupropion.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is an illness of the brain that can cause problems with attention to stimuli, impulse control, and sometimes hyperactivity. It affects children as well as adults and can cause many problems in school, work and relationships.
The precise causes of ADHD are not clear however, the disorder appears to be related to chemical changes within the brain that cause the symptoms. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters. They include norepinephrine and dopamine.
Drugs that relieve ADHD symptoms most effectively target these neurotransmitters. They can be a combination of stimulants, non-stimulants or a single medication.
Typically, medications are utilized in conjunction with behavioral therapy. This can help you master new skills and modify your behaviors. It is essential to sleep enough and eat a nutritious well-balanced diet.
Exercise can be beneficial to ADHD symptoms. It increases brain levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and may even lessen the severity of symptoms. This can make ADHD sufferers feel more focused and less anxious.
Other things that can aid in the treatment of ADHD include drinking fewer caffeinated and sugary drinks, getting adequate sleep, exercising and maintaining good mental health. It is important to keep an optimistic mindset and keep a regular schedule.
If you or your child is suffering from ADHD It is important to keep an eye on your symptoms and inform your doctor about them. Your doctor will monitor your progress in treatment and should it be necessary, make adjustments to the plan.
Combining treatment with behavior therapy and skill training is the most effective way to treat ADHD. Multimodal treatment is more effective than medications alone but it could take some time to determine the right combination.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. To start it, they're usually taken in small doses once daily. Extended-release or long-acting formulations that build slowly in the bloodstream and break down slowly could be more effective for some people. These can reduce the effect of rebound which occurs when the symptoms return once the drug wears off.
medication for adhd adults may prescribe stimulants in addition to other medicines that can improve attention and focus. These medications are referred to as non-stimulants and take longer to kick in than stimulants, however they are more effective for certain people suffering from ADHD.
Consult your physician about potential side effects from ADHD medication your child or you are taking. Some of these side effects may be serious, for instance, anxiety or depression. Changing the dose can sometimes help with these issues.
Other side effects that are common may be mild, such as irritability or difficulties in concentrating. A journal can help you track your reactions and notify your doctor. You can also share this information with your family members, or anyone else who might be able to assist.
If you find it difficult to focus on your work, it may be difficult to keep deadlines in school or at work. You might forget to do your homework or skip social events or meetings that you had to attend.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications have the longest track record of treating ADHD and are the most frequently prescribed medication for people suffering from attention deficit disorder (ADD). They increase the levels of brain dopamine. This increases concentration, focus, motivation, and overall effectiveness.
These medications can also be used to lower hyperactivity, aggression, and the impulsivity. The most commonly used stimulant drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin) and adderall and dexedrine.
They can be taken in the form of capsules, pills, or tablets. They are usually taken in the morning and are released into the bloodstream over some time.
There are two types of stimulants: short-acting and long-acting. Both are available in generic forms and are safe and effectively to treat ADHD.
Many adults and children like the stimulants that last longer. However they can be costly and may cause a long-lasting adverse side effect. This type of medication should be used only once daily.
Some children and adults who consume stimulants are at an increased risk of heart problems. They should be monitored regularly for changes in their heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor can alter the dosage or discontinue the medication in the event of a problem.
The stimulant medication can cause a variety of adverse effects, but most are mild and disappear over time. Although nausea and vomiting are typical reactions of stimulant medications but this is extremely rare. Others have a slight increase in their blood pressure and heart rate.
These side effects usually last for a few hours and can be easily managed by adjusting the medication's dose or schedule. Some medicines have very little or no side effects However, some can cause serious side effects that require hospitalization.
When your doctor prescribes medication for your child she will take into account his weight and age as well as any other factors that might affect the effectiveness of the medicine. She will also alter the dosage of the medication your child is prescribed to get the best results.
Some of the side effects can be severe, like seizures or low blood pressure. It is important to immediately notify your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms.
Other side effects are not as severe and can include problems sleeping, irritability, and an increased appetite. Some medications can even cause tics, which are sudden, repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing.
Tics are very common in children with ADHD and can make it hard to concentrate. Tics can be an incredibly frustrating and frightening experience for parents, so it's important to be aware of them.
Speak to your doctor If you think that your child is developing tic. You might be able find a medication that doesn't cause negative side effects.
In the UK, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are usually the first drugs recommended to treat ADHD. To get the best results, the medications should be taken slowly and the dosage should be adjusted regularly.
There are other medications that can aid in the treatment of ADHD such as high blood pressure medication and antidepressants. These medications affect the brain's Norepinephrine and dopamine levels. These medications can be an effective alternative to stimulant medication which doesn't work or has too many side effects.