Adult ADHD Medication
You may need medication if environmental changes do not allow you to succeed at work or school. These drugs can be short-acting or long-acting, and include methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) as well as amphetamine salts.
In the UK stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed. If you do not have a condition that requires a different medication, stimulants are usually prescribed first.
Stimulants
Stimulants work by increasing the activity of brain regions which control behavior and attention. They aid in improving concentration, focus the mind and decrease the tendency to engage in impulse behavior. They are also known as amphetamines or psychostimulants and can be legally taken with the prescription of ADHD medication. They can also be used in the form of illegal drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine in order to boost energy levels and feel of well-being.
add medication adult might recognize the brand name Ritalin that is the most frequently used stimulant to treat ADHD. It boosts activity in the areas of the brain that regulate behaviour and attention, which helps improve concentration and reduces hyperactive and impulsive behavior. It is available in the form of immediate-release tablets that are taken two or three times a day, or modified-release capsules which release the medicine throughout the day.
Lisdexamfetamine is a different medicine that stimulates specific areas of the brain to increase concentration, aids in focusing the mind and reduce impulse-driven behavior. It is typically prescribed to teenagers, adults, and children above the age of 5 in the event that methylphenidate doesn't help. Lisdexamfetamine tablets are usually taken in two or three doses a day. Atomoxetine is a different medicine than the other ones and is recommended to teenagers, adults and children (age 5and over) that cannot take methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine due to side effects. It is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and increases the amount of noradrenaline in the brain, which passes messages between brain cells to improve concentration and impulse control. It is taken as a tablet or oral solution once a day.
A large number of randomized controlled trials and observational studies examined the benefits and harms of drug treatment for adult adhd. These studies compared different medicines with placebos or each other but not all included head-tohead trials. This study combines the results of these studies using a method called network meta-analysis. It is the largest analysis for ADHD and provides more evidence behind NICE's guidelines for prescribing medication to treat adult ADHD.
The results show that a large proportion of people suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from a medication. It is crucial to examine the risks and benefits before taking any medication. People should discuss this with a doctor and, if needed, take steps to manage the symptoms of the disorder with other methods, including therapies and lifestyle changes. It is important to identify medical conditions such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy that can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. A thorough examination and history are essential to determine possible causes for the symptoms. Patients with a history of extreme alcohol or drug abuse should be treated with extreme care. Referral to a specialist may be necessary. Patients who have a history of developmental disorders or other serious mental health problems should be evaluated more thoroughly and referred to special evaluations and tests as required. This can include a more thorough history of the family history of the patient as genetic factors are known to play a role in ADHD.