Types of ADHD Medication in the UK
There are three types of UK-licensed ADHD medicines that contain the methylphenidate (eg Concerta XL or Equasym XL) and those that contain dexamfetamine.
Stimulants boost brain activity, especially in areas that control attention and behavior. They also help reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Other medications that treat ADHD include atomoxetine as well as antidepressants such as bupropion.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain disorder that leads to problems with attention, impulse control and sometimes hyperactivity. It can affect adults and children, and can cause problems at school, work and in relationships.
Although the reason for ADHD is unknown but it appears that some chemical changes in the brain may be responsible for the symptoms. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and include dopamine and norepinephrine.
These neurotransmitters are the most effective targets of medications that reduce ADHD symptoms. They could be an amalgamation of stimulants and non-stimulants . They also could be a single drug.
Most often, medication is used in conjunction with behavior therapy. This can help you gain new skills and change your behavior. It is important to get enough sleep and eat a nutritious, balanced diet.
Exercise can help reduce certain symptoms of ADHD by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can make ADHD sufferers feel more focused and less disturbed.
You can also ease ADHD symptoms by avoiding caffeine-rich or sugary beverages, getting enough sleep and exercising, as well as maintaining good mental health. It's also helpful to have an optimistic attitude and adhere to a regular schedule.
If you or your child has ADHD, it's important to keep track of your symptoms and communicate them to your doctor. Your doctor will keep track of your development and make any needed changes to the treatment plan.
Combining therapy with medication and skill-training is the most effective treatment for ADHD. Multimodal treatment is more effective than medications alone however it can require some time to find the right combination.
ADHD stimulants are the most often prescribed. At first, they are usually taken in small amounts, which are taken daily. Long-acting or extended-release formulations that are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream and wear down gradually may be more effective for certain people. They reduce the rebound effect, which is when symptoms return after the drug wears off.
In addition to stimulants, doctors also prescribe other types of medications that work with the brain to improve focus and attention. These medications are referred to as non-stimulants. They take longer to work as stimulants, however, they are more effective for certain people suffering from ADHD.
Discuss with your doctor about possible side effects of ADHD medication your child or you are taking. Some of these side effects may be severe, like anxiety or depression. These side effects can be cured by altering the dosage.
Other side effects that are common are mild symptoms, like irritability or trouble concentrating. Keep a diary to track adverse effects and inform your doctor. You can also communicate this information with family members, or anyone else who may be able to assist.
It is not easy to concentrate on tasks if you're having difficulty focusing. You might forget to do your homework or miss social events or meetings that you had to attend.
Stimulants
The most effective treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications. They are also the most frequently prescribed medication for attention deficit disorder (ADD). They increase brain dopamine levels. This leads to greater focus, concentration and motivation as well as overall effectiveness.
These drugs can be used to lessen aggression, hyperactivity, and impulse control. The most commonly used stimulant medications are methylphenidate, Adderall, or dexedrine.
They can be taken as capsules, pills, or tablets. They are usually taken in the morning and are released into the bloodstream after a few hours.
There are two types of stimulants: long-acting and short-acting. Both are available in generic forms and are safe and effectively to treat ADHD.
Many adults and children like the more powerful stimulants. They can be expensive and can trigger more side negative effects. This kind of medication should be administered only once daily.
Certain adults and children who consume stimulants are at an increased risk of developing heart problems. It is important to watch for any changes in blood pressure or heart rate. If a problem develops, your doctor can change the dosage or stop taking the medication altogether.
The effects of stimulant drugs can be diverse but the majority are moderate and fade over time. Some people have nausea or vomiting after taking these medications, however, this is rare. Others have a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
These side effects typically last only a few hours and, therefore, they can be controlled by tweaks to the medication's schedule and dosage. Certain medicines may cause minimal or no side effects however, others can trigger severe side effects that require hospitalization.
Your doctor will take into consideration the weight and age of your child when prescribing medication to your child. She will also adjust the dosage of the medicine your child takes to get the most effective results.
These can be seizures and low blood pressure. If you notice any of these symptoms make sure to contact your doctor right away.
Other side effects are not as severe and can include problems sleeping, irritability, and an increase in appetite. Tics, which may be rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinks or throat clearing, can also be caused by some medications.
Tics can be a typical issue for ADHD children and can make it difficult to concentrate. Parents should be aware that tics can be frustrating and frightening.
Talk to your doctor If you suspect that your child is developing tic. He might suggest that you think about a medication that doesn't pose the risk for this type of side effect.
In the UK In the United Kingdom, methylphenidate as well as lisdexam (Elvanse) are the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. adhd depression medication should be introduced slowly and the dosage adjusted regularly to achieve the best results for your child.
There are other medications that assist in controlling ADHD such as blood pressure medication and antidepressants. These drugs affect the brain's norepinephrine and dopamine levels. They can be an effective alternative to stimulant medication if it doesn't perform or cause excessive side effects.