ADHD Medication For Adults UK
Celebrities like Jonny Vegas and Sue Perkins have publicly shared their ADHD diagnosis, spreading awareness of the condition. The NHS is struggling to keep up with demand, with long wait times for diagnosis and a taskforce established to improve the quality of services.
Stimulant drugs are the main treatment, increasing levels certain brain chemicals to reduce hyperactivity and inattention. They are not an effective treatment.
Stimulants
The positive side is that ADHD medication has evolved since its first appearance in the 1980s. The UK is now in a better place than Europe or America with a wide choice of drugs on offer. The most popular stimulant is methylphenidate, which is also known as Ritalin. It is available in both quick-release and extended-release tablets. see this works by increasing dopamine activity in your brain. This reduces impulsivity and assists you in paying attention. It also helps reduce the amount of hyperactivity and boost motivation. There are a number of other medicines which act like stimulants but aren't methylphenidate. They include guanfacine (brand name Tenex) and clonidine which are often prescribed to those with Tourette's disease. Guanfacine has fewer side effects than clonidine, and can help reduce both tics and impulsivity.
Amphetamines are the next class of drugs typically prescribed for ADHD. These are stronger than methylphenidate, but they can cause more adverse consequences, including insomnia and increased appetite. However, they are effective for some people and are generally thought to be safer than other stimulants on offer. There are two amphetamines that you might be offered if methylphenidate doesn't work for you - dexamfetamine (brand name Lisdexamfetamine) and lisdexamfetamine/amphetamine hydrochloride (brand name Dexamfetamine).
There is one non-stimulant medication that is commonly used in the UK for adults with ADHD known as Atomoxetine (sometimes known as Strattera). This medication does not affect dopamine but it does boost noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is another type of messenger molecule that helps transfer information between different parts of the brain. It helps with concentration and decreases impulses, but it can take a while to fully take effect.
Having an assessment and diagnosis of adult ADHD can help you gain confidence in how to manage your symptoms. Talk to your GP and share your concerns. Request an appointment. GPs are usually well informed about neurodiverse conditions like ADHD, and will be able to help you.
It's normal to feel nervous prior to your first visit with a psychiatrist. This is especially true if you are considering medication. You may have heard scare stories, or watched documentaries, such as Netflix's 'Take Your Pills', which can make you wonder if you will be turned into zombies while taking psychiatric medications. Our psychiatrists are experienced in ADHD and can help you feel secure and at ease during the process. Depending on the service that you select, they'll begin your treatment and then schedule monthly or fortnightly appointments to track your progress. You can then return to your GP to continue your care and treatment.