Types of ADHD Medication in the UK
There are three types of UK-licensed ADHD medications comprise methylphenidate (eg Concerta XL or Equasym XL) and those that contain dexamfetamine.
Stimulants boost brain activity, particularly in areas that control the behaviour and attention. They also can help reduce impulsivity. Other medications used to treat ADHD include atomoxetine as well as antidepressants like bupropion.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain disorder that may cause problems with attention, impulse control, and sometimes hyperactivity. It affects children as well as adults and can cause many difficulties in school, work and relationships.
The precise causes of ADHD are not clear however, the disorder appears to be linked to certain chemical changes within the brain that cause the symptoms. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and include norepinephrine and dopamine.
Medications that reduce ADHD symptoms target these neurotransmitters. They could include a combination of stimulants, non-stimulants or a single medication.
Medication is typically used in combination with behavioral therapy that can help you change your habits and acquire new skills. It is also essential to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet.
Exercise can be beneficial to ADHD symptoms. It can increase brain levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and can even reduce the severity of the symptoms. This can help people suffering from ADHD feel less agitated and more focused.
Other factors that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD include avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks, getting adequate sleep and exercising, and maintaining a healthy mental state. It is crucial to maintain an optimistic outlook and adhere to a routine.
If you or your child have ADHD, it's important to keep an eye on your symptoms and notify your doctor. Your doctor will track your progress and make any necessary modifications to the treatment plan.
Combining behavior therapy, medication and skill training is the best treatment for ADHD. Multimodal therapy can be more effective than medication alone, but it might take some time to find the best combination.
ADHD stimulants are the most frequently prescribed. In the beginning the treatment, they are typically administered in small amounts, which are taken daily. Long-acting, or extended-release formulations that build slowly in the bloodstream and wear down gradually may be more effective for certain people. These reduce the rebound effect that occurs when the drug is worn off and symptoms come back.
In addition to stimulants doctors may also prescribe different types of drugs that affect the brain to increase focus and concentration. These are referred to as non-stimulants and take longer to kick in than stimulants, but they can be more effective in certain people suffering from ADHD.
It is important to speak with your doctor about any side effects of the ADHD medication you or your child is taking. Some of these adverse effects can be severe, like anxiety or depression. These symptoms can be reduced by adjusting the dose.
Other side effects that are common can be minor, such as irritability or trouble concentrating. Keep a diary to track the effects of your medication and notify your doctor. You can also communicate this information with family members, or anyone else who might be able to assist.
If you have trouble focusing on your work, it may be difficult to meet deadlines at school or at work. You might not finish your homework or miss important social occasions.
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 brain dopamine levels. This results in a greater focus, concentration, motivation, and overall effectiveness.
They can also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression. The most commonly used stimulant drugs are methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as adderall and dexedrine.
They can be consumed in capsules tablets, pills, or capsules. They are typically taken in the morning and then released into the bloodstream within just a few hours.
There are two types of stimulants: short-acting stimulants and longer-acting stimulants. Both are available in generic forms and can be used safely and effectively to treat ADHD.
A majority of adults and children prefer the longer-acting stimulants. They can be expensive and can cause more side consequences. This type of medication should be taken only once per day.
Some children and adults who are exposed to stimulants are at an increased risk of heart problems. They must be checked regularly for changes in their heart rate and blood pressure. If there is medication for adhd can alter the dosage or stop taking the medication.
The effects of stimulant drugs can be varied, but most are relatively minor and go away over time. Some people have nausea or vomiting after taking these medications, but this is rare. Others have a slight increase in their blood pressure and heart rate.
These effects are usually for several hours and can be controlled by adjusting the medication's dose or schedule. Certain medicines may cause mild or no side effects at all however, others can trigger serious side effects that require hospitalization.
Your doctor will take into consideration the weight and age of your child when prescribing medication to your child. Your doctor will alter the dosage of the medicine that your child receives to ensure the highest quality results.
Certain of the side effects can be serious, such as seizures or low blood pressure. It is imperative to contact your physician if you notice any of these symptoms.
Other side effects that could be experienced are not as serious and include sleep issues as well as irritability, insomnia, and an increase in appetite. Certain medications can cause tics, which are sudden, repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinks or throat clearing.
Tics can be a common problem for ADHD children and can make it difficult to concentrate. Tics can be an incredibly frustrating and frightening experience for parents, which is why it is important to be aware of them.
Speak to your doctor If you suspect that your child is developing tic. He may suggest you consider a treatment that doesn't pose the risk for this kind of side effect.
In the UK The UK, methylphenidate, and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are usually the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. The medication should be started slowly and the dosage adjusted regularly for the best results for your child.
Other medications can be utilized to treat ADHD for example, antidepressants and high blood pressure medications. These medications work by working on the brain's dopamine levels and norepinephrine levels. They can be an effective alternative to stimulant medication which doesn't work or has too many adverse negative effects.