ADHD Medication For Adults
Medication is often offered to adults with ADHD as a first-line treatment. Stimulants increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
They can reduce the frequency of fidgeting, hyperactivity and interruptions. They are typically offered in conjunction with the behavioural therapy.
Stimulants
Specialists in psychiatry who specialize in ADHD can prescribe medications which can ease symptoms of the disorder. 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 slow your heart rate.
Our experienced psychiatrists will carefully titrate your medication, making adjustments as necessary to ensure the best results for you. They will consider side effects and how your medication affects your mood, so they can determine the appropriate dosage. You may have to try different kinds of drugs before you discover one that works. Stimulant medicines typically begin to work in 45-60 minutes, which means you should be able to be able to see the results of your treatment quickly. You may need several days to observe your symptoms before you and your doctor will determine the right dosage for you.
While stimulants are the most commonly used type of medication used to treat ADHD, there are a variety of other medications available. Antidepressants and Atomoxetine are drugs that are not stimulants that improve concentration and impulse control by working differently than stimulants. They are beneficial when you are unable to use stimulants due to health issues, or if they don't bring about the desired effects or have unpleasant side-effects.
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which allow brain cells communicate with one another. They can trigger a variety of side effects, including loss of appetite and sleep problems that your doctor will assess regularly to make sure you are getting the best results from your medication.
It could take up to one month for ADHD medications to start working. This is why it is important to continue with psychosocial treatment, including CBT and mindfulness, once you have found the treatment that is right for you.
Although not everyone with ADHD requires medication, it is an extremely beneficial factor for many. It can allow people to return to work, take exams and lead a more productive lifestyle. It can even mean having a more stable home life.
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about how a private psychiatric can assist you in managing ADHD. Our team of psychiatrists is well-versed in treating adults with ADHD. We would be happy to talk with you about your options.
ADHD and Medication What you need to know
It's not an easy decision to take medication for ADHD however it can improve your life dramatically. In this video client James Bloodworth talks about his personal experiences with ADHD medication along with psychosocial support and how it has changed his life. The UK is currently experiencing an ADHD medication shortage that is expected to last until the end of the year. iampsychiatry is due both to supply issues and an increase in demand. In this period, we recommend to contact your GP to discuss alternative treatments and to see whether they can prescribe alternative medications in the meantime.