ADHD Medication For Adults
Treatment is usually given to adults suffering from ADHD as a first-line treatment. Stimulants boost activity in the parts of the brain that are involved in controlling attention and behavior.
They can help reduce the amount of fidgeting and hyperactivity. They are typically provided in conjunction with behavioural therapy.
Stimulants
Specialists in psychiatry who specialize in ADHD can prescribe medications to help alleviate the symptoms of this condition. These include medications such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, which boost the levels of certain brain chemicals that regulate the quality of your attention span, discipline and impulse control. They can also cause sedation and reduce your heart rate.
Our psychiatrists are trained to carefully titrate the medication you are taking, making any adjustments necessary to ensure the best results. They will look at the side effects and how your medication affects you to determine the right dosage. It could be that you need to try several different kinds of medications to determine the one that is right for you. Stimulant medicines typically begin to work within 45-60 minutes, meaning you should be able to see the results of your treatment quickly. You may need to monitor your symptoms at home for several days before your doctor can determine the optimum dose for you.
There are a variety of other medications available to treat ADHD. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine, both non-stimulants, that help improve concentration and impulse control by working differently than stimulants. They can be useful in cases where you are not able to use stimulants due to health problems or they don't produce the desired results or cause unpleasant adverse effects.
Stimulants work by increasing the levels of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. These help brain cells to communicate with each other. They can have a variety of adverse effects, such as eating disorders and sleep problems that your doctor will assess regularly to make sure you are getting the best results from your medication.
ADHD medications can take up to 1 month before they begin to have an effect. This is why it is important to continue with psychosocial therapy, such as CBT and mindfulness, after you have found the treatment that works for you.
Although not everyone with ADHD requires medication, it could be an important factor for a lot of people. It can help them get back to work, take exams and live a more productive lifestyle. It could also mean having an easier time at home.
Contact us if you are interested in learning more about how a private psychiatric can help you manage ADHD. Our psychiatrists are extremely experienced in treating adults with ADHD. We'd be happy to speak with you about your options.
ADHD and Medication ADHD and Medication: What You Need to Know
It can be a big decision to decide to take medication for ADHD but it could transform your life in a dramatic way. In this video the client James Bloodworth talks about his own experiences of using ADHD medication alongside psychosocial assistance and how it has transformed his life. The UK is currently experiencing an acute shortage of ADHD medications, which is expected to last until the end of the year. This is due to supply issues and increased demand. During this period we suggest more info you talk to your GP in order to discuss alternative treatment options and to inquire if they can prescribe alternative medications.