Types of ADHD Medication in the UK
There are three types of UK-licensed ADHD medicines: those that contain the methylphenidate (eg Concerta XL or Equasym XL) and those that contain dexamfetamine.
Stimulants boost the activity in the brain, especially areas that play a part in controlling attention and behavior. They also aid in reducing impulsivity. Other ADHD treatments include atomoxetine bupropion, and antidepressants like bupropion.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain disorder that can cause issues with attention, impulse control and sometimes hyperactivity. It can affect both adults and children, and can cause issues at school, at work, and in relationships.
Although the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, it appears that certain chemical changes in the brain may be the reason for the symptoms. These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters. They include dopamine and norepinephrine.
The medications that help reduce ADHD symptoms most effectively target these neurotransmitters. These drugs may include the combination of stimulants, non-stimulants or a single medication.
Typically, medications are used in conjunction with behavioral therapy. This can help you learn new skills and alter your behavior. It's also important to get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet.
Exercise can ease ADHD symptoms. It raises levels in the brain of norepinephrine, dopamine and may reduce the severity of symptoms. This can help ADHD sufferers feel more focused and less restless.
Other ways to help with the symptoms of ADHD include the avoidance of caffeinated drinks and sugary drinks, sleeping enough, exercising and maintaining good mental health. It is essential to maintain an optimistic attitude and stick to a schedule.
If you or your child have ADHD It's essential to keep track of your symptoms and report them to your doctor. Your doctor will keep track of your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.
Combining therapy with medication and skill training is the most effective treatment for ADHD. Multimodal approaches can be more effective than medications alone but it can take some time to find the right combination for you.
ADHD stimulants are the most common medication prescribed. At first they are typically taken in small doses once daily. Some people are more responsive to extended release or long-acting formulations that slowly build up in the bloodstream and wear off slowly. These reduce the rebound effect that occurs when symptoms return after the drug wears off.
In addition to stimulants, doctors may also prescribe other kinds of medicines which work in the brain to improve focus and attention. These are referred to as non-stimulants. They take longer to work as stimulants, however, they are more effective for certain individuals with ADHD.
It's essential to speak to your doctor about the possible side effects of the ADHD medication you or your child taking. These side effects can lead to anxiety and depression. Altering the dosage can alleviate these issues.
Other common side effects may be mild, such as irritability or difficulty concentrating. Keep a journal to track adverse effects and inform your doctor. You can also share this information with your family members or anyone else who may be able to assist.
It can be difficult to focus on your tasks if you experience difficulties focus. You might not remember to complete your homework or miss meetings or social events that you were required to attend.
Stimulants
The most effective treatment for ADHD is using stimulant medications. They are also the most prescribed treatment for attention deficit disorder (ADD). They work by increasing levels of dopamine in your brain. This leads to greater focus, concentration, motivation, and overall effectiveness.
These drugs can also be used to reduce aggression, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most commonly used stimulant medications are methylphenidate, adderall, or dexedrine.
They can be consumed in capsules tablets, pills, or capsules. They are usually taken in the morning and then released into the bloodstream within several hours.
There are two types: short-acting stimulants and long-acting stimulants. Both are available in generic forms and are safe and effectively to treat ADHD.
Adults and children alike prefer longer-acting stimulants that last longer. However, they can be expensive and may have a longer-lasting adverse effect. If you decide to go with this type make sure you follow the instructions of your physician and only take one dose a day.
Certain adults and children who take stimulants have an increased risk of heart issues. You should monitor them for any changes in blood pressure or heart rate. If a problem develops the doctor may alter the dosage or cease taking the medication.
The stimulant medication can cause a number of side effects, but most are mild and go away over time. Some people experience nausea or vomiting while taking these medications, however, this is not common. Others may experience a slight rise of their heart rate and blood pressure.
These side effects usually last only a few hours and are able to be controlled by tweaks to the medication's schedule or dosage. While some medications may have no side effects or have mild adverse effects, others may cause serious side reactions that require hospitalization.
When your doctor prescribes medication for your child she will take into account his weight, age, and any other factors that could impact the effectiveness of the medication. The doctor will also alter the amount of the medicine your child is prescribed to get the most effective results.
Some of the side effects can be severe, like seizures or low blood pressure. You should immediately contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
Other side effects are not as serious and can include trouble sleeping, irritability, and increased appetite. Tics, which are abrupt, repetitive movements, or sounds such as eye blinks or throat clearing, can also be caused by certain medications.
Tics can be a typical problem for ADHD children and can make it difficult to concentrate. adhd for adults medication can be a stressful and scary experience for parents, which is why it's important to be aware of them.
Consult your physician if you suspect that your child is developing tic. You might be able to find a medication that doesn't cause adverse side effects.
In the UK, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) are the first drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. The medication should start slowly and the dosage adjusted periodically to achieve the best results for your child.
There are other drugs that can help control ADHD and other disorders, such as blood pressure medication and antidepressants. These medications affect the brain's norepinephrine and dopamine levels. They can be a good alternative if stimulant medications don't perform or cause too many side effects.