ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults with ADHD are often treated first by taking medication. The stimulants stimulate brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
They can help reduce the frequency of fidgeting and hyperactivity. They are often offered along with the behavioural therapy.
Stimulants
Specialists in psychiatry who specialize in ADHD can prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms of this condition. These are referred to as stimulants and comprise drugs such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine which increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that control the attention span, self-discipline and control of impulses. They also can be sedating and slow down your heart rate.
Our psychiatrists are trained to be sure to carefully titrate your medication, making adjustments as necessary to ensure the best results for you. They will consider the side effects and how your medication affects your health to determine the right dosage. It may be that you need to try various types of medication before you find the one that works best for you. Stimulant medicines typically begin to work within 45-60 minutes, which means you should be able to observe the effects of your treatment quickly. It is possible that you will need to monitor your symptoms at home for several days before you and your doctor will determine the right dosage for you.
There are other drugs available to treat ADHD. Non-stimulants, which include antidepressants and atomoxetine, help improve concentration and control of impulses by working differently to stimulants. They are useful if you cannot use stimulants due to health issues, or if they fail to produce the desired effects or are associated with negative side effects.
Stimulants work by increasing the level of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters, which help brain cells to communicate with each other. They can trigger a variety of side effects, including eating disorders and sleep disorders, which your psychiatrist will examine on a regular basis to ensure you're receiving the best results from your medication.
ADHD medications can take as long as a month before they start to have an effect. Once you find the right medication, it's crucial to keep receiving psychosocial help, such as CBT and mindfulness.
Although not everyone suffers from ADHD requires medication, it can make an enormous difference for many people. It can allow them to get back to work, take exams, and lead an active life. It can even mean having a more stable home life.
Contact us if you would like to learn more about how a private psychiatrist can help you manage ADHD. Our team of psychiatrists is extremely experienced in treating adults with ADHD. We would be happy to talk with you about your options.
ADHD and Medication - What you should know about ADHD and Medication
It's not an easy choice to choose a medication for ADHD but it could improve your life dramatically. In this video James Bloodworth discusses his experiences with ADHD medication and psychosocial support. It has changed 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 website and a rise in demand. In this time we suggest you talk to your GP to discuss alternatives to treatment options and inquire if they are able to prescribe alternative medications.