Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers in the brain, which control attention. They are the first line of treatment in the treatment of ADHD. Although they’re not habit-forming, they can cause side effects such as headaches and trouble sleeping.
Your doctor may also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are often the first medications that doctors prescribe and they can control symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. They can cause serious side effects, but they do not cure ADHD. Doctors typically prescribe different doses of stimulants to determine what works best adhd medication uk for each person. The aim is to find a medication that controls symptoms with the least amount of adverse negative effects and is safe to take for the long-term.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It’s available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a highly effective drug that is low in dependence and abuse.
Some people with ADHD suffer from other psychiatric issues. In these cases, doctors may prefer to treat the more severe disorder first and see if that improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a person with major depression may be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. The same goes for tic and anxiety disorders. For example, a doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine instead of stimulants for a person suffering from Tourette’s syndrome or other tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness or depressed mood and work quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant medicines can affect heart rate and blood pressure. They also can cause adverse effects, such as headaches and irritability. They are generally not recommended for children less than 8 years old. They should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Anyone with an addiction history or bipolar disorder should not use these medications. Additionally, these medications are not recommended for those who have a history of seizures or strokes.
Most people suffering from strattera adhd medication receive a mix of treatment that includes psychosocial therapy, medication or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can teach you skills like organizational techniques, self-talk and anger management in order to help cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. Additionally, healthcare professionals can aid in educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and demonstrating how to effectively work with people suffering from the condition. They can also offer adjustments at school and at work to help people with ADHD succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible about how to get adhd medication uk certain tasks are assigned or allow workers to take breaks as needed. They can also provide more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete them. This can be particularly helpful for those who have difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these situations the employer may offer to train the employee to use assistive technology to help him or her keep the pace of colleagues.