Types of ADHD Medication in the UK
There are three types of licensed ADHD medication available in the UK that contain the chemical methylphenidate (eg Concerta XL, Equasym XL) or dexamfetamine (eg Elvanse).
Stimulants boost brain activity, especially in areas that regulate attention and behaviour. They also can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Other ADHD treatments include atomoxetine bupropion, and antidepressants such as bupropion.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain disorder that may cause issues with attention, impulse control, and sometimes hyperactivity. It affects both children and adults and can lead to problems in school, work and in relationships.
The exact causes of ADHD are not clear, but the disorder seems to be linked to certain chemical changes in the brain that cause the symptoms. These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters, and include dopamine and norepinephrine.
These neurotransmitters are the most effective targets for medications which reduce ADHD symptoms. They can be mixed with stimulants and non-stimulants , or they could be a singular medication.
The majority of medications are used in conjunction with behavioral therapy which can help you modify your behavior and develop new techniques. It is essential to sleep enough and eat a nutritious and balanced diet.
Exercise can reduce certain symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help a person with ADHD feel less agitated and more focused.
Other things that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD include the avoidance of caffeinated drinks and sugary drinks, sleeping enough as well as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy and balanced mental health. It's also beneficial to maintain a positive attitude and stick to a regular routine.
If you or your child have ADHD, it's important to keep track of your symptoms and inform your doctor about them. Your doctor will track your progress in treatment and when necessary, make modifications to the treatment plan.
Combining therapy with medication and skill training is the best treatment for ADHD. Multimodal treatment can be more effective than medication alone, but it might take some time to identify the best combination.
ADHD stimulants are the most frequently prescribed. They are typically prescribed once per day in small amounts beginning with. Some people are more responsive to extended release or long-acting formulations that build slowly in the bloodstream and wear off slowly. These can reduce the effect of rebound that occurs when symptoms return after the drug wears off.
Doctors might prescribe stimulants in addition to other drugs that help improve attention and focus. These are called nonstimulants. They take longer to work than stimulants , but they are more effective for ADHD patients.
Consult your physician about side effects of ADHD medication your child or you are taking. Some of these side effects could be serious, for instance, anxiety or depression. The dose adjustment can help with these issues.
Other symptoms that are typical include irritability and trouble in concentrating. Journals can help you track the effects of your medication and report them to your doctor. You can also communicate this information with family members or anyone else who might be able to assist you.
It can be difficult to focus on your tasks if you experience difficulty staying focused. You might be unable to finish your homework or fail to attend social gatherings or meetings you were required to attend.
Stimulants
The most effective treatment for ADHD is the use of stimulant drugs. They are also the most prescribed treatment for the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD). They increase the levels of brain dopamine. This results in an increase in focus, concentration and motivation.
These medications also help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as aggression. The most popular stimulant medications are methylphenidateand adderall or dexedrine.
They can be taken as capsules tablets, pills, or capsules. They are usually taken early in the morning and then released into the bloodstream after a few hours.
There are two types of stimulants: long-acting and short-acting. Both are available in generic formulations and are safeand effective treatment for ADHD.
A lot of children and adults like the longer-acting stimulants. However, they can be expensive and may have a longer-lasting negative side effect. This type of medication should be used only once daily.
Children and adults who use stimulants are more at risk of developing heart disease. They must be checked regularly for changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor can modify the dosage or stop the medication if there is a problem.
Stimulant medications can cause a number of side effects however, the majority of them are mild and disappear over time. Although nausea and vomiting are typical reactions of stimulant medications, this is very rare. Others experience a slight rise in their blood pressure and heart rate.
These effects are usually for a few hours and can be easily managed by adjusting the medication's dosage or schedule. Some medicines have minor or no side effects, but others can cause severe side effects that require hospitalization.
If your doctor prescribes a medication for your child, she will take into account his weight and age, as well as any other factors that may influence the effectiveness of the medication. She will also alter the dose of medicine your child receives to ensure the best results.
Side effects can include seizures and low blood pressure. If you notice any of these symptoms make sure to contact your doctor right away.
Other adverse effects that may be experienced are not as serious like sleep problems or irritability and an increase in appetite. Tics, which can be sudden, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinks and throat clearing, can also be caused by some medications.
Tics are a common occurrence in children who suffer from ADHD and can make it difficult for them to concentrate. Tics can be a stressful and terrifying experience for parents, so it's important to be aware of these.
If you suspect that your child may be developing a tic, talk to your doctor. medication for adhd may be able to find a medication that doesn't cause negative side effects.
The first medications prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK are methylphenidate (Elvanse) and lisdexamfetamine, (Elvanse). The medication should start slowly and the dosage adjusted regularly to get the most beneficial results for your child.
There are other medications that aid in the treatment of ADHD like blood pressure medication and antidepressants. These medications affect the brain's Norepinephrine and dopamine levels. They can be an effective alternative to stimulant medications in the event that it isn't effective or has too many side effects.